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| Giant Bust of Ramesses II, Ancient Egypt's Longest-Reigning Pharaoh A colossal statue of Ramesses II, who ruled Egypt for 66 years, showcasing his legacy as one of the most powerful pharaohs. (Image credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images) |
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful and longest-ruling pharaohs. Reigning for an astonishing 66 years during the New Kingdom period (circa 1279–1213 B.C.), he left behind colossal monuments, historic peace treaties, and a legendary legacy as a warrior king. But even gods must die—and Ramesses did so at the rare age of about 90. So how did this ancient titan pass away, and did his massive royal family clash over his throne?
The End of a Long Reign
Ramesses II's advanced age alone was remarkable. In an era when most Egyptians didn’t live past 40, he reigned across multiple generations. According to Dr. Sahar Saleem, a radiology professor who studied his mummy using CT scans, Ramesses suffered from severe arthritis and advanced dental disease in his final years. He likely walked with a hunch and endured chronic pain.
While no definitive cause of death was pinpointed, experts believe Ramesses II died of natural causes due to age-related complications.
A Peaceful Succession — At First
Despite fathering over 100 children with his many wives and concubines, there was no recorded civil war or throne struggle immediately after his death. Ramesses II had outlived many of his children, and it was his 13th son, Merneptah, who succeeded him without resistance.
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| Statue of Ramesses II at Luxor Temple, Egypt’s Iconic Ancient Site A majestic statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II stands at Luxor Temple, a symbol of his power and ancient Egypt’s architectural grandeur. (Image credit: Respiro/Shutterstock) |
Merneptah, already in his sixties when he became pharaoh, continued building royal projects and led the kingdom through foreign invasions, including one by the mysterious "Sea Peoples."
The Calm Before the Storm
While Merneptah’s accession was smooth, things became more complicated for the generations that followed. Internal strife emerged during the reign of Ramesses II’s grandson, Seti II, who faced a serious challenge from a usurper named Amenmesse. Amenmesse even ruled parts of Egypt for a few years.
Egyptologist Henning Franzmeier notes that Ramesses II’s vast family may have played a role in later instability. With hundreds of royal descendants, many likely saw themselves as rightful heirs—sparking tensions and succession disputes that weakened the royal line.
From Power to Decline
Alongside internal disputes, Egypt also faced major external threats, including renewed attacks by the Sea Peoples during the reign of Ramesses III. These pressures, combined with royal infighting, led to a gradual decline in centralized royal power.
A Lasting Legacy
Even in death, Ramesses II commanded reverence. His mummy, moved from its original tomb to a hidden cache at Deir el-Bahari after a robbery, is now housed in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.
He was deified during his lifetime, and some evidence suggests his cult continued centuries after his death. Pharaohs long after him adopted his name and throne title (Usermaatre), treating objects from his tomb as sacred heirlooms. One sarcophagus even mentions a priest of Ramesses II still active during the Ptolemaic era—over 1,000 years after his death.
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| Mummy of Ramesses II, Preserved Legacy of Egypt’s Great Pharaoh A detailed photo of the mummy of Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs, preserved for over 3,000 years. (Image credit: Photo 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) |
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Conclusion
Ramesses II may have died of natural causes, but his impact on Egypt and the ancient world endured far beyond his final breath. While his immediate succession was orderly, the legacy of a pharaoh with over a hundred royal offspring created a complex web of power struggles that shaped the fate of a declining dynasty.
What do you think about Ramesses II's legacy? Can one ruler's success become a burden for future generations? Share your thoughts below!
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