ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Nutty Productions Weird Things You Did Not Know About Ancient Egypt’s Ramesses II
Ramesses II, often called Ramesses the Great, is one of the most famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Even though he wasn’t the first Ramesses, his achievements and legacy have made him unforgettable. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about this legendary ruler!
Ramesses II wasn’t originally supposed to be pharaoh. He was the younger son of Seti I, who was part of the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. His older brother was the heir, but he died mysteriously at the age of 14. This unexpected turn of events made Ramesses the next in line. Trained by his father in politics and warfare, Ramesses quickly showed his skills in the army and was made commander by his father.
Ramesses II is well-known for his military achievements. He led battles against the Nubians, Syrians, Libyans, and especially the Hittites. One of his most famous battles was the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC. Despite being outnumbered and ambushed, Ramesses managed to escape and fight back, becoming a hero even though there was no clear winner. His reign saw Egypt’s territory expand significantly, and he is remembered as one of the greatest military leaders of ancient Egypt.
Ramesses II ruled for 66 years, making him the second-longest reigning pharaoh after Pepi II. He had a large family with over 200 wives and concubines, resulting in around 96 sons and 60 daughters. His family life was as grand as his rule!
Like many pharaohs, Ramesses II was buried in the Valley of the Kings. However, grave robbers disturbed his tomb, and his mummy had to be moved for protection. In 1975, a French doctor discovered that his mummy was at risk from fungus and needed treatment. Interestingly, Ramesses II was issued a passport to travel to France for this treatment, making him possibly the only person over 3,000 years old to have a valid passport!
Ramesses II was not just a warrior; he was also a skilled diplomat. He signed a peace treaty with the Hittites, which is the oldest known international peace treaty. This treaty ended ongoing conflicts and showed Ramesses’ ability to balance war and peace effectively.
During his reign, Ramesses II oversaw the construction of many impressive monuments and temples. The Ramesseum and Abu Simbel are among his most famous projects. The Abu Simbel temple is particularly notable for its four giant statues of Ramesses, each standing about 66 feet tall. These architectural feats showcased the grandeur of his reign.
Ramesses II’s most beloved wife was Nefertari, whom he married while still a prince. After her death, he built a magnificent tomb for her, celebrated for its beautiful architecture and carvings. Ramesses II’s legacy as a great leader, builder, and family man continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the incredible life of Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most remarkable pharaohs. His story is a testament to the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt!
Research and create a timeline of the major events in Ramesses II’s life. Include his rise to power, military campaigns, family life, and architectural achievements. Use online resources and library books to gather information. Present your timeline on a poster or digitally using a tool like Canva.
Work in groups to reenact the Battle of Kadesh. Assign roles such as Ramesses II, Hittite leaders, and soldiers. Use props and costumes to bring the battle to life. Focus on the strategies used by both sides and discuss the outcome of the battle. Record your reenactment and share it with the class.
Imagine you are an architect in ancient Egypt. Design a monument or temple inspired by Ramesses II’s architectural style. Consider elements like size, materials, and decorations. Create a detailed drawing or 3D model of your design and explain its significance to the class.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of Ramesses II. Choose a significant day in his life, such as the signing of the peace treaty with the Hittites or the completion of a major architectural project. Describe your thoughts, feelings, and the events of the day. Share your entry with a partner and discuss.
Investigate the peace treaty between Ramesses II and the Hittites. Analyze its terms and significance in ancient diplomacy. Compare it to a modern peace treaty and discuss the similarities and differences. Present your findings in a short presentation or report.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
Ramesses II may not have been the first of his name, but he is certainly the one remembered as Ramesses the Great. Despite his grandfather being the founder of an entire dynasty, Ramesses is one of the most celebrated pharaohs of the New Kingdom. He was considered a god, an exceptional leader, and a formidable opponent to his enemies. However, his ascension to the throne was somewhat fortuitous.
How did Ramesses II claim the throne? His elder brother, the rightful heir, was supposed to take the throne, but circumstances changed. How did Ramesses make a comeback after nearly falling victim to a Hittite ambush? Why does his successor regard Ramesses II as the great ancestor?
Welcome to Nutty History! Today, let’s explore some intriguing facts about the celebrated pharaoh of the New Kingdom, Ramesses II. Viewer discretion is advised, as some content may be sensitive. We, the creators of this video, do not support or condone the actions of the subjects featured.
Ramesses II was not initially meant to be a pharaoh, as he was the younger son of his father, Seti I, who was named after his grandfather and the founder of the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. Ramesses II became prince regent when his elder brother passed away at the age of 14 under mysterious circumstances. Educated by his father in politics and martial arts, Ramesses joined his father’s army in his late teens and quickly proved his military prowess. Impressed by his accomplishments, Seti I appointed him commander of the Egyptian army.
Today, Ramesses II is remembered for his military exploits, defense policies, and conflicts with the Nubians, Syrians, Libyans, and especially the Hittites. He was a remarkable commander, leading an army of around 100,000 men during his reign. His successors regarded him as the great ancestor and one of the most exceptional pharaohs, excelling as a general.
One of the pivotal moments in Ramesses II’s career was the Battle of Kadesh, fought in 1274 BC. He led nearly 20,000 men and deployed 5,000 chariots against the Hittites, who were under the command of Muwatalli II. Despite fighting bravely, Ramesses and his forces were outnumbered and faced a calculated ambush that nearly cost him his life. However, he managed to escape and retaliated, driving the Hittites away and saving many lives. Although there was no clear winner that day, Ramesses emerged as a heroic figure.
His long and prosperous rule saw remarkable military advances, expanding Egyptian territory significantly. With a reign lasting 66 years, Ramesses II is considered the second-longest reigning pharaoh of ancient Egypt, after Pepi II. Upon his death, his 13th son, Merenptah, succeeded him, but Ramesses was already 60 years old at that time.
Ramesses II was known for his numerous marriages, reportedly having over 200 wives and concubines, resulting in around 96 sons and about 60 daughters. This prolific family life was a notable aspect of his reign.
Like many great pharaohs, Ramesses II was laid to rest in the Valley of the Kings. He had a spectacular tomb built for himself, but grave robbers made it difficult for his mummy to rest peacefully. Consequently, his mummy was relocated for safekeeping. In 1975, a French doctor named Maurice Bukay studied Ramesses II’s mummy and discovered it was threatened by fungus, requiring urgent treatment. Interestingly, to comply with French laws, the Egyptian government issued a passport for the pharaoh, making Ramesses II perhaps the only person over 3,000 years old to hold a valid passport.
During the treatment, it was found that Ramesses II had naturally red hair, a sharp jaw, and striking features, leading historians to believe he was tall and well-built.
The secret to Ramesses II’s success lay in knowing when to use military might and when to employ diplomacy. His peace treaty with the Hittites is the oldest surviving international peace treaty known today. Although conflicts continued after the Battle of Kadesh, Ramesses led further military campaigns against the Hittites and eventually negotiated a peace agreement with Hattusili III, the Hittite king. This treaty is now recognized as the oldest recorded peace treaty in the world.
Despite his military focus, Ramesses II excelled in administrative duties, earning high popularity among his subjects and being regarded as a god incarnate. It was customary for pharaohs to be transformed into Egyptian gods during their first Sed festival, celebrated after 30 years of reign. Following this, Ramesses established a new capital city named Per-Ramesses in the Nile Delta and launched a campaign against Syria.
During his 66-year reign, Ramesses II made significant architectural contributions, overseeing the construction of numerous monuments and temples. His most ambitious projects included the Ramesseum and Abu Simbel, which showcased innovative architectural styles and grand designs. The temples featured giant statues of Ramesses II, with the Abu Simbel temple having four massive figures at its entrance, each about 66 feet tall.
Ramesses II’s most beloved wife was Nefertari, whom he married while still a prince. After her passing, he ordered a magnificent tomb to be built in her honor, which is now celebrated for its exquisite architecture and wall carvings.
We hope you enjoyed these lesser-known facts about the remarkable pharaoh of Egypt’s golden age. Thank you for watching Nutty History! Please share and like the video if you want to see more.
—
This version maintains the informative content while ensuring it is appropriate for all audiences.
Ramesses – Ramesses refers to a series of Egyptian pharaohs, most notably Ramesses II, who was known for his extensive building projects and military campaigns. – Ramesses II, often called Ramesses the Great, ruled Egypt for 66 years and is remembered for his military leadership and monumental constructions.
Pharaoh – A pharaoh was the ruler of ancient Egypt, considered a god on earth and the political and religious leader of the people. – The pharaoh was responsible for maintaining order and harmony in ancient Egyptian society, both politically and spiritually.
Ancient – Ancient refers to something belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence, often used to describe civilizations like Egypt, Greece, or Rome. – The ancient city of Rome was the center of a vast empire that influenced many aspects of modern culture and government.
Dynasty – A dynasty is a series of rulers from the same family or lineage that maintains power over a country or region for a significant period. – The Ming Dynasty in China is known for its cultural achievements and the construction of the Great Wall.
Military – Military refers to the armed forces of a country, responsible for defending it against external threats and maintaining internal order. – The Roman military was highly organized and played a crucial role in expanding and protecting the Roman Empire.
Treaty – A treaty is a formal agreement between two or more states or countries, often to end a conflict or establish terms of peace. – The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I and imposed heavy reparations on Germany.
Architecture – Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings, often reflecting the culture and technology of a society. – The architecture of ancient Greece, with its iconic columns and temples, has influenced building designs throughout history.
Tomb – A tomb is a structure or chamber for burying the dead, often elaborately decorated in ancient cultures to honor the deceased. – The tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, revealed a wealth of artifacts and treasures from ancient Egypt.
History – History is the study of past events, particularly in human affairs, and how they shape the present and future. – Understanding history helps us learn from past mistakes and appreciate the achievements of different civilizations.
Culture – Culture encompasses the social behavior, norms, beliefs, and traditions of a particular group or society. – The culture of the Aztecs included advanced agricultural practices, a complex calendar system, and rich mythology.
