31. Bust of Ramses II (detail), Tanis,

Egyptian, 19th dynasty, reign of Ramses II

(1279-1212 B.C.E.). Granite rock, 80 x 70 cm.

The Egyptian National Museum, Cairo.

 

 

Ramses II has long been regarded as one of Ancient Egypt’s most celebrated and beloved pharaohs. The third king of the 19th dynasty, Ramses took the throne in his twenties and went on to rule for sixty-six years, during which time he launched numerous campaigns in Syria and the surrounding areas and left behind a huge amount of art and architecture dedicated to his legend and likeness, a testament to the prosperity which abounded during his reign. In addition to his wars with the Hittites and Libyans, he is known for his extensive building programs and for the many colossal statues of him found all over Egypt. These monuments include two temples, the astounding Colossus of Ramses at Memphis, a vast tomb at Thebes and the Ramesseum.