TRAVEL EGYPT TOURS
Pharaoh Ramses II reigned for 67 years during the 19th dynasty of the 12th century BC, was known as "Ramses the Great".
His glories surpassed all other Pharaohs, and Egypt reached an overwhelming state of prosperity during his reign.
Not only is he known as one of Egypt's greatest warriors, but also as a peace-maker and for the monuments he left behind all over Egypt.
He was the first king in history to sign a peace treaty with his enemies, the Hittites, ending long years of wars and hostility.
The treaty can still be considered a conclusive model, even when applying todays standards.
Egypts acceptance of a peace treaty that would end the war in Syria meant that there would be no chance to restore Kadesh and Amuru. However in return for this sacrifice, the dispute between the two countries would end with a clear line of demarcation between the Egyptian and the Syrian territories. Moreover, Egypt guaranteed the Syrians the right to use their Phenecian harbors, while the Hittites agreed to allow Egyptians free passage to the north as far as Ugarit without interference. This was a privilege lost for more than a century.
Two copies of the treaty were recorded, one in hieroglyph and the other Akaddian, and both still survive. Both copies are identical except for the overture, in which the Egyptian version stated that it was the Hittite king who demanded peace, whereas in the Hittite version, it was Ramses who sent them emissaries. The Egyptian version was recorded on a silver plaque presented by Hattusili to Ramses, then copied on stone at the Karnak and Ramesseum temples.
ramses II & nefertari
Queen Nefertari
Nefertari also known as Nefertari Merytmut was one of the Great Royal Wives (or principal wives) of Ramesses the Great. Nefertari means 'Beautiful Companion' and Meritmut means 'Beloved of [the Goddess] Mut'.
She is one of the best known Egyptian queens, next to Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut.
Her lavishly decorated tomb,QV66, is the largest and most spectacular in the Valley of the Queens. Ramesses also constructed a temple for her at Abu Simbel next to his colossal monument here.
Nefertari appears as Ramesses II’s consort on many statues in both Luxor and Karnak.
In Western Thebes, Nefertari is mentioned on a statuary group from Deir el-BAhari, a stela and blocks from Deir el-Medina.
The greatest honor was bestowed on Nefertari in Abu Simbel.
Nefertari is depicted in statue form at the great temple, but the small temple is dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
The building project was started earlier in the reign of Ramses II, and seems to have been inaugurated in year 25 of his reign (but not completed until ten years later).
Nefertari's tomb in the Valley of the Queens, QV 66 is one of the most magnificient ancient egyptian art representation.
The tomb reflect the queen's position in the eyes of her husband in the beauty of it's construction, it's vivid colors and unusual scenes and the many favourable epitaphs describing her beauty and her charming nature.
Ramses II
