Ramesses II ascends to the throne of Egypt at age 25, becoming the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty following the death of his father Seti I. His coronation marks the beginning of one of the longest and most prosperous reigns in Egyptian history.
Ramesses II stands as one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and influential pharaohs. His ascension to power marked the beginning of an extraordinary reign that would reshape Egyptian history and leave an indelible mark on civilization. Known to many as Ramesses the Great he assumed the throne in 1279 BCE following the death of his father Seti I.
The transition of power to Ramesses II occurred during Egypt's New Kingdom period when the empire was at its peak of cultural and military influence. While most historical records point to a smooth succession scholars continue to study the precise circumstances surrounding his rise to power. At around 25 years old Ramesses II became the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty launching what would become one of the longest and most prosperous reigns in Egyptian history.
The Rise of Ramesses II to Power
#Ramesses II's path to becoming pharaoh began through his connection to the powerful 19th Dynasty of Egypt. His ascension marked the continuation of a dynasty that transformed Egypt into a dominant military force during the New Kingdom period.
Dynasty Background and Family Lineage
#The 19th Dynasty emerged from military commander Ramesses I's elevation to pharaoh by King Horemheb. Ramesses I's son, Seti I, strengthened the dynasty's position through military campaigns in Syria and Libya. The dynasty established its capital at Pi-Ramesses in the Nile Delta, creating a strategic base for both commercial trade and military operations. Ramesses II inherited this robust political foundation as the son of Seti I and Queen Tuya, positioning him within a lineage of successful military leaders and administrators.
Early Life as Crown Prince
#Ramesses II received extensive military training from age 14 under his father's guidance. He commanded armies by age 22 and served as Prince Regent during the final years of Seti I's reign. His early responsibilities included:
- Leading military campaigns into Nubia
- Overseeing construction projects at major temples
- Managing administrative duties in the royal court
- Participating in religious ceremonies as his father's representative
The crown prince demonstrated his leadership abilities through successful military expeditions and architectural achievements before his coronation. His experience as co-regent provided practical knowledge of governance, preparing him for his future role as pharaoh of the Egyptian Empire at its peak.
Coronation and Ascension in 1279 BCE
#Ramesses II's coronation marked the beginning of ancient Egypt's most illustrious reign during the peak of the New Kingdom period. The ceremony established him as the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty Egypt amidst a display of religious rituals symbolic power transfer.
The Death of Seti I
#Seti I's death in 1279 BCE created an immediate need for succession in the Egyptian empire. Archaeological evidence from the Valley of the Kings confirms Seti I received a grand burial in tomb KV17, complete with elaborate wall paintings depicting his achievements. The preparation of Seti I's tomb occurred simultaneously with the arrangements for Ramesses II's coronation, following established Egyptian royal protocols.
- Ritual purification ceremonies in the temple of Amun-Ra
- Presentation of the royal crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt
- Ceremonial procession through the capital city
- Official declaration of the new throne name Usermaatre Setepenre
- Installation of royal seals in administrative centers
| Coronation Event | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Rituals | 2 days | Temple of Amun-Ra |
| Crown Ceremony | 1 day | Royal Palace |
| Public Procession | 1 day | Pi-Ramesses |
| Administrative Ceremonies | 1 day | Government Centers |
Early Years of Ramesses II's Reign
#Following his coronation in 1279 BCE, Ramesses II launched an ambitious program of military expansion and administrative reforms. His early reign marked a pivotal period in the growth of the Egyptian Empire during the New Kingdom period.
Military Campaigns and Leadership
#Ramesses II initiated several military campaigns within the first five years of his reign to secure Egypt's borders and expand its influence. The Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE stands as his most significant early military engagement, where he led Egyptian forces against the Hittite Empire. Archaeological records indicate his establishment of multiple fortified outposts along Egypt's northeastern frontier to protect trade routes and deter invasions.
Military achievements during this period include:
- Secured control of Nubian gold mines through targeted campaigns
- Established defensive fortifications in the Sinai Peninsula
- Conducted naval operations along the Mediterranean coast
- Strengthened military presence in Canaan through garrison installations
Administrative Changes
#The 19th Dynasty administration underwent significant restructuring under Ramesses II's early leadership. His reforms focused on centralizing power and enhancing bureaucratic efficiency:
- Relocated government offices to Pi-Ramesses
- Appointed trusted officials to oversee provincial territories
- Established new tax collection systems
- Created specialized administrative departments for construction projects
- Implemented standardized record-keeping practices across provinces
| Administrative Reform | Impact |
|---|---|
| Capital Relocation | Improved Delta region control |
| Provincial Reorganization | Enhanced tax collection efficiency |
| New Record System | Standardized administrative procedures |
| Construction Bureau | Coordinated nationwide building projects |
Building a Legacy as Egypt's Greatest Pharaoh
#Ramesses II established his position as ancient Egypt's most renowned pharaoh through monumental building projects and cultural innovations during the New Kingdom expansion. His 66-year reign transformed Egypt's architectural landscape and religious practices.
Construction Projects and Monuments
#The architectural achievements of Ramesses II encompassed 6 temples in Nubia and 4 major temple complexes in Upper Egypt. The Abu Simbel temples stand as his most impressive monuments, featuring 65-foot-tall seated figures carved directly into the rock face. His ambitious building program included:
- Expanding the Karnak Temple complex with a massive hypostyle hall spanning 54,000 square feet
- Completing the Luxor Temple with a 213-foot courtyard and twin obelisks
- Constructing his mortuary temple, the Ramesseum, decorated with scenes from the Battle of Kadesh
- Establishing Pi-Ramesses as a new capital city with administrative buildings, military barracks and storage facilities
| Construction Project | Key Features | Size/Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Simbel | Rock-cut temples, colossal statues | 65-foot statues |
| Karnak Hypostyle Hall | 134 columns, hieroglyphic decorations | 54,000 sq ft |
| Luxor Temple | Processional colonnade, obelisks | 213-foot courtyard |
| Pi-Ramesses | Administrative center, military base | 3.7 square miles |
Cultural and Religious Impact
#Ramesses II's cultural influence reshaped Egyptian religious practices and artistic traditions during the 19th Dynasty. His innovations included:
- Standardizing religious iconography across temples and monuments
- Introducing new artistic styles featuring more naturalistic royal portraits
- Establishing cult centers dedicated to his own divine worship
- Promoting the veneration of Amun-Ra as the state deity
- Creating educational institutions for scribes and artists
- Implementing new hieroglyphic writing styles for royal inscriptions
He commissioned over 7,000 carved reliefs and supervised the production of 4,000 inscribed tablets documenting religious ceremonies. His religious reforms emphasized the pharaoh's role as divine intermediary, marking the peak of the Egyptian Empire's theological development.
Key Events That Shaped His Rule
#Ramesses II's reign marked the Egyptian Empire's peak through significant military campaigns diplomatic achievements. His actions transformed Egypt into the ancient world's most powerful kingdom during the New Kingdom period.
Military Victories and Peace Treaties
#The Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE stands as Ramesses II's most notable military engagement. He led 20,000 troops against the Hittite army near the Orontes River in modern-day Syria. Though the battle ended in a tactical stalemate, Ramesses II's propaganda depicted it as a great victory through temple wall carvings inscriptions.
Key military accomplishments include:
- Securing the western Delta from Libyan invasions in 1279 BCE
- Capturing strategic fortresses in Canaan Amurru between 1273-1270 BCE
- Establishing control over Nubian gold mines through three military campaigns
- Signing the world's first recorded peace treaty with the Hittites in 1258 BCE
Domestic Achievements
#The 19th Dynasty Egypt flourished under Ramesses II's administrative reforms infrastructure projects. His domestic initiatives transformed Egyptian society governance systems.
- Building the new capital Pi-Ramesses with advanced military naval facilities
- Constructing monuments including Abu Simbel Luxor Temple expansions
- Implementing standardized tax collection systems across provinces
- Establishing specialized administrative bureaus for construction projects
- Creating a sophisticated postal network connecting major cities
- Developing new irrigation systems that increased agricultural production
| Construction Project | Completion Date (BCE) | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Pi-Ramesses Capital | 1270 | 10 square kilometers |
| Abu Simbel Temples | 1265 | 4 colossal statues (20m high) |
| Luxor Temple | 1260 | Added 6 new courtyards |
| Karnak Temple Complex | 1255 | Expanded by 15 hectares |
Key Takeaways
#- Ramesses II became Pharaoh in 1279 BCE at around age 25, following the death of his father Seti I, becoming the third pharaoh of Egypt's Nineteenth Dynasty.
- Before ascending to the throne, Ramesses II served as Prince Regent and gained extensive military experience, commanding armies by age 22 and leading campaigns into Nubia.
- His coronation involved elaborate ceremonies including ritual purification, crown presentation, and public processions, establishing him as ruler during Egypt's New Kingdom period.
- The early years of his reign focused on military expansion and administrative reforms, with the Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE) being one of his most significant early military engagements.
- During his 66-year reign, Ramesses II undertook massive construction projects including the Abu Simbel temples, expansions to the Karnak Temple complex, and establishing the new capital Pi-Ramesses.
- His reign marked the peak of Egypt's power, culminating in the world's first recorded peace treaty with the Hittites in 1258 BCE and establishing a lasting legacy as one of ancient Egypt's most influential pharaohs.
Conclusion
#Ramesses II's ascension to the throne in 1279 BCE marked the beginning of one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable reigns. His extensive military training and experience as Prince Regent prepared him well for his 66-year rule that transformed Egypt into a dominant empire.
From his coronation onward Ramesses II proved to be a dynamic leader who reshaped Egypt through military campaigns diplomatic achievements and ambitious building projects. His administrative reforms cultural innovations and architectural legacy continue to captivate historians and archaeologists today.
The reign of Ramesses II represents the pinnacle of ancient Egyptian power and cultural achievement establishing him as one of history's most influential pharaohs. His impact on Egypt's military diplomatic religious and administrative systems created a lasting foundation that defined the empire for generations to come.