Ramesses II

Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was one of ancient Egypt's most powerful and celebrated pharaohs. Born to Pharaoh Seti I and Queen Tuya, he ascended to the throne in his early 20s and ruled for an extraordinary 66 years. He was known for his military prowess, ambitious building projects, and diplomatic achievements. During his reign, he led several military campaigns into the Levant, most famously the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, which resulted in one of history's earliest known peace treaties. Ramesses II was a prolific builder who erected more monuments and structures than any other Egyptian pharaoh. He fathered over 100 children with his various wives, the most prominent being Nefertari. His mummified remains reveal that he was tall for his time (about 5'8"), had red hair, and lived into his early 90s, an exceptional age for the period. He died around the age of 90, likely from dental problems and arthritis that led to a terminal infection.