Who is the man in the statue and carved in the wall?
Join Osiris Dream Vacations' expert guide Ehab on the small-group Egypt Highlights Tour to see first hand some of the enduring shrines and stone likenesses dedicated to Ramses II.
Abu Simbel - Two rock-cut temples in southern Egypt. The Great Temple features four huge 69-foot seated statues of Ramses II on its front
Karnak Temple - Ramses II finished and added to the huge Hypostyle Hall with scenes of his military campaigns
Grand Egyptian Museum Statue: A towering 3,200-year-old red granite statue standing 33 feet tall and weighing over 80 tons, greets visitors in the Grand Hall
Ramses II, or Ramses the Great, is one of ancient Egypt's most famous pharaohs. He ruled for 66 years, making a name for himself as a military leader and ruler of a thriving land, all while being a great self-promoter. His time in power was filled with military victories, impressive building projects, and cultural advancements, which all contributed to his lasting legacy.
From a young age, Ramses showed off his leadership and military smarts. By the time he was 14, he was already going on military campaigns with his dad, Seti I, gaining valuable experience on the battlefield. By 22, he was leading his own expeditions, securing Egypt's borders, reclaiming lost lands, and even setting up the first recorded peace treaty with the Hittites—a big deal in diplomacy.
Ramses II's long rule brought stability to the government and opened up trade routes, boosting Egyptian society. His wealth funded huge construction projects like monuments, temples, and statues, showing off Egypt's architectural skills. He set up a large administrative center with fancy gardens and palaces, symbolizing prosperity. Safe trade routes kept the economy stable and the culture rich.
To make sure people remembered him, Ramses went big on self-promotion through monumental architecture, building temples and statues in his honor. His long reign gave him the chance to build more than any other pharaoh, showing off his status as a living god. He even updated older art by adding his image to it, ensuring his achievements were remembered. His detailed carvings stood the test of time, securing his place in history as a respected pharaoh.
