King Ramses II Smiting His Enemies
This iconic relief from the Abu Simbel Temple depicts King Ramses II striking down Egypt’s enemies. He is shown wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolizing his dominion over the entire land.

King Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful and celebrated pharaohs. He ruled during the 19th Dynasty, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, for an extraordinary 66 years. Ramses II is renowned for his military achievements, particularly the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, as well as his ambitious building projects, including temples, statues, and monuments across Egypt.

Among his most famous constructions are the temples at Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum, his mortuary temple in Thebes. His reign marked a period of prosperity, stability, and cultural flourishing, and he is often remembered as the quintessential image of a mighty Egyptian king.