Ramses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was one of the most powerful pharaohs of ancient Egypt. He ruled for an astonishing 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BC, durig the 19th dynasty. Despite his long and prosperous reign, his death remains a topic of debate among historians and scholars.
There are several theories about how Ramses II died. Some believe that he died of natural causes, while others suggest that he was killed in battle or fell ill after a severe injury.
One of the most popular theories is that Ramses II died of old age. According to historical records, he lived to be around 90 years old, which was a remarkable feat for someone living in ancient times. His body was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and was later moved to a royal cache where it was discovered in 1881.
Another theory suggests that Ramses II died as a result of injuries sustained in battle. Ramses was known for his military campaigns and conquests, and it is possible that he was wounded in one of his many battles. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
There is also a popular legend that Ramses II drowned in the Red Sea while pursuing the Israelites, who were led by Moses. This story is based on the biblical account of the exodus from Egypt, which describes how the pharaoh and his army were swept into the sea. However, there is no historical evidence to support this theory, and it is believed to be a myth.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, it is generally accepted that Ramses II died of natural causes. He was a revered and respected pharaoh, and his legacy continues to fascinate historians and scholars to this day.
Ramses II was a remarkable pharaoh who left a lasting impact on the ancient world. While the exact circumstances of his death remain a mystery, it is clear that he was a powerful and influential ruler who will always be remembered as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history.
The Death of Ramses II: Did He Die in the Red Sea?
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was a pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt who reigned from 1279 to 1213 BCE. There is no historical evidence to suggest that he died in the Red Sea.
The biblical account of the crossing of the Red Sea in the book of Exodus does not explicitly state that Ramesses II was among the Egyptians who perished in the waters. It simply states that the entire Egyptian army, along with their chariots and horsemen, was swept into the sea by the miraculous parting of the waters, which allowed the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
Jewish tradition, however, offers a different perspective. According to the Midrash, a collection of Jewish biblical commentaries and stories, Pharaoh was the only Egyptian to survive the Red Sea crossing. He was later identified as the King of Nineveh in the Book of Jonah, one of the Prophets in the Hebrew Bible.
While thee is no conclusive evidence to support either account, it is widely accepted that Ramesses II did not die in the Red Sea. He continued to reign as pharaoh for many years after the purported event and was eventually buried in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt.
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The Pharaoh Who Drowned in the Red Sea
According to the Islamic tradition, the Pharaoh who drowned in the Red Sea was the same Pharaoh who ruled over Egypt during the time of the prophet Moses. In the Quran, the Pharaoh is not gien a specific name but is referred to as “Pharaoh”.
However, some Islamic scholars and historians have suggested that the Pharaoh in question could be one of several historical figures. One of the most popular suggestions is that the Pharaoh was Ramses II, who ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BCE.
According to the Quran, the Pharaoh and his army pursued the Israelites after they had left Egypt with Moses. The Pharaoh and his army were then drowned in the Red Sea by Allah as punishment for their disbelief and oppression of the Israelites.
Although the identity of the Pharaoh is not explicitly given in the Quran, the story of his downfall serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and oppression, and the power of faith in the face of adversity.
Age of Death of Ramses II
Ramesses II, also kown as Ramesses the Great, was one of the most significant pharaohs of ancient Egypt. He was born around 1303 BC and died around 1213 BC, which means he lived for approximately 90 years. However, there is some variation in estimates of his age at death, and some sources suggest that he may have been 91 years old when he died. Despite the uncertainty, it is widely accepted that he lived for a long and prosperous life.
Ramesses II was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and his body was later moved to a royal cache where it was discovered in 1881. His reign was marked by numerous military campaigns, massive building projects, and a significant expansion of the Egyptian empire. He was also known for his extensive family, with over 100 children and numerous wives and consorts.
Ramesses II was an important figure in ancient Egyptian history who lived for approximately 90 years. Despite some uncertainty about his exact age at death, it is clear that he led an impressive and influential life that left a lasting impact on Egypt and the world.
The Cruelty of Ramses II
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was a pharaoh of the 19th dynasty of Egypt who ruled from 1279 to 1213 BC. He is sometimes associated with a cruel reign, but the evidence suggests otherwise.
Ramesses II was a successful military leader who secured Egypt’s borders and expanded its territory. He fought numerous wars, including the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, which he claimed as a victory even tough it was more of a stalemate. He also built many impressive monuments and temples, such as the Ramesseum and the Abu Simbel temples, which still stand today as a testament to his power and wealth.
Despite his military successes, Ramesses II was not solely focused on warfare. He also enhanced Egypt’s wealth through trade and diplomacy, establishing diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and trading with far-off lands such as Punt and India. He also oversaw the construction of many public works projects, such as canals and temples, which provided employment for his people and improved their quality of life.
While some historians have criticized Ramesses II for his treatment of his enemies, such as the Hittites and the Nubians, there is little evidence to suggest that he was cruel to his own people. In fact, he was known for his generosity and patronage of the arts, supporting poets, musicians, and artisans who created some of the most beautiful works of art and architecture in ancient Egypt.
While Ramesses II was a powerful and sometimes ruthless leader, there is little evidence to suggest that he was cruel to his own people. He successfully secured the country’s borders, enhanced its wealth, expanded trade, and ruled for more than 66 years, leaving a lasting legacy that still resonates today.
Opposition of Pharaoh to Moses
The identity of the Pharaoh who opposed Moses in the biblical account has been a topic of much scholarly discussion. However, many experts are inclined to believe that the Book of Exodus refers to King Ramses II. Ramses II is considered one of the most powerful pharaohs of ancient Egypt, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is also known for his ambitious building projects, including the construction of the Temple of Karnak, the Ramesseum, and the Great Hypostyle Hall at Luxor.
According to the Bible, Moses was sent by God to demand the release of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Pharaoh at the time refused to comply, and a series of plagues were unleashed upon the land. Despite this, the Pharaoh remained stubborn, and it was only after the final plague, in which the firstborn of every Egyptian household was killed, that he relented and allowed the Israelites to leave.
There is no definitive evidence to confirm the identity of the Pharaoh in question, but many scholars believe that Ramses II is the most likely candidate. This is based on a variety of factors, including the fact that Ramses II was a powerful ruler who oversaw significant construction projects, as well as the timing of his reign, which would have coincided with the time period described in the Book of Exodus.
Ultimately, wile the identity of the Pharaoh who opposed Moses may never be definitively determined, Ramses II remains a compelling and likely candidate for this role.
The Pharaoh Who Killed His Brother
There were several instances of fratricide among ancient Egyptian pharaohs, but one of the most famous is the case of Ramesses III and his son Pentawere. Ramesses III was the second pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty, ruling Egypt from 1186 to 1155 BCE. He was the son of Setnakhte and Tiy-Merenese, and he inherited the throne from his father.
Pentawere was one of Ramesses III’s sons, born to his secondary wife Tiye. According to the records, Pentawere was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate his father and seize the throne for himself. The conspiracy involved several members of the royal harem, including Tiye, who was apparently unhappy with her status as a secondary wife and wanted her son to become pharaoh.
The conspiracy was eventually uncovered, and Ramesses III was able to prevent the assassination attempt. However, he was not able to save himself from the treachery of his own son. Pentawere was found guilty of plotting against his father and was forced to commit suicide by drinking poison. Some sources suggest that he was also implicated in the murder of his own brother, Prince Khaemwaset, who was a potential rival for the throne.
Ramesses III was not killed by his brother, but raher by his own son Pentawere, who was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate his father and seize the throne for himself. Pentawere was ultimately found guilty and forced to commit suicide, bringing an end to the Harem conspiracy.
The Last True Egyptian Pharaoh
The last true Egyptian pharaoh was Cleopatra VII Philopater. She was born in 69 BCE and ruled Egypt as the last of the Ptolemy dynasty. Cleopatra was the very last Pharaoh of Egypt, ending a dynastic rule of some 5,000 years. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and political savvy, and is famously associated with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes, and became queen of Egypt at the age of 18. She ruled alongside her brother, Ptolemy XIII, but their relationship was strained and eventually led to civil war. Cleopatra sought the help of Julius Caesar, and their relationship became romantic. She bore him a son, Caesarion, and after Caesar’s assassination, she aligned herself with Mark Antony.
Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s alliance eventually led to conflict with Rome, and they were defeated by Octavian (later known as Emperor Augustus) at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Cleopatra and Mark Antony committed suicide the following year, marking the end of the Ptolemy dynasty and the last true Pharaoh of Egypt.
It is important to note that while Cleopatra was the last true Egyptian Pharaoh, the country was later ruled by oter foreign powers such as Rome and Byzantium.
The Pharaoh Who Ruled the Longest
In the history of ancient Egypt, there were several pharaohs who ruled for extended periods. However, the record for the longest-reigning monarch in history belongs to pharaoh Pepi II. He ascended to the throne at a young age and ruled for an astonishing 94 years, making him the longest-ruling monarch in the world’s recorded history.
Pepi II was the sixth pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt and ruled during the Old Kingdom period, from around 2278 BC to 2184 BC. He came to the throne when he was only six years old, following the death of his father, Pepi I.
During his reign, Pepi II oversaw significant developments in the fields of art, religion, and architecture. He was also knwn for his patronage of the arts and commissioned several notable works, including the construction of the pyramid complex at Saqqara.
Despite his long reign, Pepi II’s rule was not without its challenges. Towards the end of his life, the pharaoh faced several uprisings and rebellions, which weakened his grip on power.
Despite this, Pepi II remains a significant figure in ancient Egyptian history and is remembered as one of the country’s most prosperous and long-lasting rulers.
Death of Ramses II’s First Son
According to biblical scholars and the story of the Exodus, Ramses II’s firstborn son did indeed die. The story goes that the God of Israel sent down ten plagues upon Egypt to force the pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The final and most devastating plague was the death of the firstborn son of every household in Egypt, including the pharaoh’s.
While there is no concrete historical evidence to prove that Ramses II was the pharaoh of the Exodus story, some scholars belive that he fits the timeline and historical context. In any case, the death of the firstborn son was a significant event in the story and has been depicted in art and literature throughout history.
It is worth noting, however, that the historicity of the Exodus story and its characters is a topic of debate among scholars and historians. Some argue that the story is a myth or legend rather than a factual account of historical events.
Moses and Ramses: Brothers in History
In the Exodus chapter of the Old Testament, Moses’ brother is referenced as Ramses, but no specific pharaoh is mentioned by name. However, based on historical and archaeological evidence, it is widely believed that Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, is the pharaoh referred to in the Bible.
Ramses II was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt and ruled from 1279-1213 BCE. He is considered one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs in Egyptian history, known for his military conquests, building projects, and political achievements.
The connection between Ramses II and the Exodus story comes from the fact that he was known for his extensive building projects, including the construction of the city of Pi-Ramesses, which was believed to be the capital of Egypt during his reign. According to the Bible, the Israelites were forced to work on building projects during their enslavement in Egypt, and it is possible that the city of Pi-Ramesses was one of these projects.
In addition, there is evidence that Ramses II had a large number of slaves during his reign, which could have included the Israelites. This, combined with the building projects and the timeline of Ramses II’s reign, led many scholars and historians to believe that he was the pharaoh referenced in the Exodus story.
While there is no definitive proof that Ramses II was the pharaoh of the Exodus, his reign and accomplishments make him a likely candidate. And while the Bible does not specifically state that Ramses II was Moses’ brother, it is likely that the pharaoh referenced in the story was indeed Ramses II.
The Aftermath of Ramses II’s Death
After Ramses II died, his legacy continued to thrive in ancient Egypt. Nine subsequent pharaohs took his name upon ascending the throne, solidifying his stature as “the great” among Egypt’s rulers. However, the decline of the New Kingdom period was already underway, and Ramses II’s successors were not able to maintain the same level of power and prosperity that he had achieved during his reign.
During the Third Intermediate Period, which followed the New Kingdom, Egypt was divided into smaller kingdoms and experienced political instability. The country was also facing threats from outside forces, including the Assyrian Empire and the Kushites from Nubia.
Despite the challenges faced by Egypt after Ramses II’s death, his legacy continued to endure. His magnificent buildings and monuments, such as the temples at Abu Simbel and Karnak, sill stand today as a testament to his greatness.
Ramses II’s reign was a significant period in Egyptian history, and his impact on the country’s culture and architecture can still be seen today.
Conclusion
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs of ancient Egypt. He ruled for 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, and durig his reign, he oversaw the construction of many monumental structures, including the temples at Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum.
Despite popular belief, there is no evidence to suggest that Ramesses II was drowned in the Red Sea during the Exodus. In fact, Jewish tradition indicates that he was the only Egyptian to survive and went on to become the King of Nineveh.
Ramesses II was a skilled military leader and waged numerous campaigns, including battles against the Hittites and Nubians. He was also a prolific builder and commissioned many impressive structures, such as the Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple.
In addition to his military and architectural achievements, Ramesses II was a patron of the arts and was known for his love of poetry and music. He also had a large harem and was the father of over 100 children.
Ramesses II died at the age of approximately 90 and was buried in the Valley of the Kings. His body was later moved to a royal cache, where it was discovered in 1881.
Ramesses II was a powerful and influential pharaoh who left a lasting impact on ancient Egypt. Through his military campaigns, building projects, and patronage of the arts, he helped to shape the culture and history of his civilization for generations to come.
