Ramesses II

ancient Egypt · pharaohs · power and legacy

Ruled for 66 years. Ramesses II had one of the longest reigns of any pharaoh in history, which gave him an incredible amount of time to leave his mark on Egypt through construction and conquest.

Warrior pharaoh. He led at least 15 military campaigns across his reign, and nearly all of them ended in victory, making him one of ancient Egypt's greatest military leaders.

Built massive monuments. Ramesses ordered the construction of some of Egypt's most impressive buildings and statues, including the colossal statues at Abu Simbel that still stand today.

Most celebrated ruler. Historians consider him the greatest pharaoh of the New Kingdom, which was the most powerful and successful period in all of ancient Egypt's history.