Seated Colossi of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel

Ramesses came to the throne young, as co-regent with his father Seti I, and reigned until his death at the age of 96. His long reign practically defines the prosperous New Kingdom.

As soon as he took the throne, he waged a series of wars on the Syrians that ensured Egypt’s stability for years to come. He built with grandeur, including the two temples at Abu Simbel, the hypostyle hall at Karnak, his fabulous Ramesseum mortuary temple, a Colossus, a tomb and additions to the Luxor temple. He had 200 wives and concubines, 96 sons and 60 daughters. When he finally died, he had already outlived 13 heirs.