Ramesses II, the third king of the 19 th Dynasty (1290-1224 BC), the greatest and one of the longest lived pharaohs of Egypt. Intent on restoring the vastness of the empire, Ramesses set out on numerous military campaigns throughout his reign expanding Egypt 's boundaries to the north east, south and west. He also started a massive temple building and restoration campaign. He built a vast tomb at Thebes, two temples at Abu Simbel, one to Ptah in Memphis, and restored other shrines throughout Egypt . The hypostyle hall at Karnak was completed during his reign. He also maintained the Osirian tradition by building a mortuary complex at Abydos, as well as his famed “Ramesseum” on the west bank at Thebes. Ramesses lived to the age of 96, had 200 or more wives and concubines, bearing him 96 sons and 60 daughters. His chief queen and consort at the start of his reign was “Nefertari”, whom he built a temple for at Abu Simbel. At no time was the empire larger or more grand than during the time of “Ramesses the Great.”

Statue of Ramesses II located inside Karnak Temple, west bank Luxor. 2002

Silver gelatin print.