New Kingdom of Egypt
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Ramesses II
Thebes / Memphis, New Kingdom of Egypt
Archival Overview
Third Pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty, celebrated as 'Ramesses the Great', who ruled for sixty-six years, fought the Hittites at Kadesh, signed the world's first recorded peace treaty, and constructed Abu Simbel.
Biographical Record
Ramesses II (c. 1303–1213 BCE) was the most celebrated builder and ruler of the New Kingdom. Taking the throne at age twenty-five, he defended Egypt against the Sherden sea pirates before marching to Syria to confront the Hittite Empire at the epic Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE, where he personally led a desperate chariot counterattack that saved his army.
In 1259 BCE, Ramesses signed the Egyptian-Hittite Peace Treaty with King Hattusili III, the world's oldest surviving written peace treaty (a copy hangs at UN Headquarters in New York). His monumental building projects—including the twin rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum, and the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak—stand as immortal testimonies of Egyptian imperial grandeur.
Key Life Milestones
The Battle of Kadesh
Engaged the Hittite army in history's largest chariot battle, saving his divisions through personal valor.
The Egyptian-Hittite Peace Treaty
Concluded the historic mutual non-aggression pact, ushering in fifty years of Mediterranean peace.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialCairo, Egypt