Pharaoh Ramses II and III

Two of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, Ramses II and Ramses III, earned their places in Egyptian history by expanding the Egyptian empire and exerting mighty military force.

Ramses II was the third ruler of the 19th Dynasty. Taking the throne at the age of 20, Ramses II ruled for an amazing 67 years, the second longest reign of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Ramses III is sometimes referred to as the last great pharaoh. He was the second ruler of the 20th Dynasty and was certainly the last native Egyptian to sit on the throne of Egypt who was able to accomplish much.

Ramses II is known for many accomplishments. While it was quite common for ancient Egyptian pharaohs to have several wives, Ramses II seems to have exceeded the norm in number of wives and children. At the end of his long life, the pharaoh had sired over 100 children. The reign of Ramses 2 was marked by numerous military battles and he became one of the famous Egyptian pharaohs known for his military strength. Much of his reign was occupied with taking back territories that were lost to Egypt during the rule of other ancient Egyptian pharaohs, most notably Akehaten, was preoccupied with establishing a monotheistic religion.

Ramses II was also interested in architecture and that interest resulted in the erection of more monuments than any of the other ancient Egyptian pharaohs. A significant number of architectural tributes still dominate the landscape of Egypt today, attributed to Ramses 2. The Ramses II monument at Abu Simbel is the most famous of all. Menataph, son of Ramses II, gained control of the throne upon the death of his father and the 19th Dynasty ended with his rule.

Ramses III worked hard at establishing more law and order than many of the other ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Despite his efforts, his reign was marked by strife in several forms and one of his own wives even tried to have him killed. Egypt was attacked twice during the first five years of the reign of Ramses 3. Both times, however; he was able to mobilize enough forces to push the invaders back. Following his death, several other rules were also called Ramses.

Historians and biblical experts have been unable to determine exactly which one of the Ramses and the plagues are associated with one another. Some historians contend that infamous pharaoh mentioned in the plagues of the Bible was Ramses 2, while others believe it must have been Ramses 3 and still others think it might have been the son of Ramses 2, Menataph. Subsequent rulers who took the name of Ramses have not been able to be completely ruled out either. The multitude of speculation has perhaps resulted because the assassination attempt of Ramses II seemed to mark the beginning of a period of unrest in Egypt that would not end until the Roman Empire took control of the once mighty nation.