Ramesses II

Ramesses II, also known as Ramses II or Ramesses the Great, was the third pharaoh of Egypt’s 19th dynasty and one of ancient Egypt’s best-known rulers.

Ramesses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of Egypt’s 19th dynasty and one of ancient Egypt’s best-known rulers. He reigned for about 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE.

What it is

Ramesses II was a pharaoh of the New Kingdom, son of Seti I, who ruled for roughly 66 years. He is associated with military campaigns against the Hittites, including the Battle of Kadesh, and a subsequent peace treaty often cited as the earliest known formal peace agreement.

Why it matters

His long reign and extensive building projects—such as Abu Simbel, Karnak, Luxor, and the Ramesseum—left a lasting mark on Egyptian history. He also founded or expanded Pi-Ramesses as a royal capital, and his reputation as a powerful ruler endured in later traditions.

Key details

Born around 1303 BCE, he became pharaoh after his father Seti I. His reign saw campaigns in Syria and Nubia, and the Battle of Kadesh ended without a clear winner but led to a diplomatic treaty. He is remembered as Ramses the Great for his monumental construction and military legacy.