Questions about Ramesses II

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who was Ramesses II and how did he become pharaoh?

Ramesses II was the son of a military officer who rose to become the first pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty. He was appointed prince regent by his father Seti I at the age of fourteen and later ascended to the throne to rule for 66 years and 74 days.

When did Ramesses II fight the Battle of Kadesh and what was the outcome?

Ramesses II arrived at Kadesh on the 1st of May 1274 BC and fought a battle that is generally considered a stalemate. Although he left in possession of the battlefield, the Hittites were the ultimate victors as they invaded and briefly occupied Egyptian possessions in the region of Damascus.

What major building projects did Ramesses II construct during his reign?

Ramesses II built extensively from the Delta to Nubia, creating a new capital called Pi-Ramesses and the temple complex of Abu Simbel. He also constructed the Ramesseum in western Thebes, which features an enormous pylon and a hypostyle hall with 39 out of 48 columns still standing.

What health issues did Ramesses II suffer from before his death?

Ramesses II died at about 90 years old while suffering from severe dental problems, arthritis, hardening of the arteries, and heart disease. His mummy was discovered in 1881 in TT320 and reveals an aquiline nose and strong jaw with natural slightly wavy red hair.

When was the tomb of Nefertari discovered and what does it contain?

The tomb of Nefertari was discovered by Ernesto Schiaparelli in 1904 and contains magnificent wall-painting decoration regarded as one of the greatest achievements of ancient Egyptian art. The astronomical ceiling is painted in dark blue with golden five-pointed stars and the burial-chamber known as the Golden Hall features paintings from chapters 144 and 146 of the Book of the Dead.

How many sons did Ramesses II have and where were they buried?

Ramesses II had an estimated 52 sons and at least four of them were buried in Tomb KV5 which was rediscovered by Professor Kent Weeks in 1995. This tomb contains approximately 150 corridors and tomb chambers as of 2006 and may hold as many as 200 corridors and chambers.