Latest news with #RamessesII
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
How did Ramesses II die — and did his more than 100 children fight for the throne?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The pharaoh Ramesses II is one of the best known warrior rulers of ancient Egypt, famous for his military victories and great public works. He ruled Egypt for two-thirds of a century (roughly 1279 to 1213 B.C.) during the New Kingdom period, and died when he was around 90 years old, an astonishing age for the time. But how did Ramesses II die and what happened following the celebrated pharaoh's death? First, let's start with Ramesses II's ascension to the throne. He became pharaoh after his father Seti I (ruled circa 1294 to 1279 B.C.) died. At the start of his reign, Ramesses II was at war with the Hittites, a kingdom based in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), and fought a major battle against them, now known as the "Battle of Kadesh", in what is now Syria around 1275 B.C. While Ramesses II claimed victory, modern-day historians tend to believe that neither side won the battle. Ramesses II made peace with the Hittites around 1258 B.C. and took a Hittite princess as one of his wives. Like other Egyptian pharaohs, he practiced polygamy and had many wives and concubines. Toby Wilkinson, an Egyptologist at the University of Cambridge, estimates in his book "Ramesses the Great: Egypt's King of Kings" (Yale University Press, 2023) that he had around 100 children. The pharaoh also built a new capital called "Pi-Ramesses" (also known as "Per-Ramesses") in the eastern Nile delta near the modern-day village of Qantir. The "entire city bore the unmistakable footprint of its pharaonic foundation," Wilkinson wrote, noting that it had at least 50 colossal statues of Ramesses II, most of which were built during his lifetime. When Ramesses II died, he was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. After this tomb was plundered, his mummy was placed, along with other royal mummies, in a cache at Deir el-Bahari. His mummy is now located in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo. Analyses of Ramesses II's mummy have provided insights into his cause of death. Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at Cairo University who has studied the mummy of Ramesses II extensively, told Live Science in an email that "Ramesses II was likely crippled by arthritis and walked with a hunched back for several years in later life. He also suffered from severe dental disease, which may have caused chronic pain or infection. However, no definitive cause of death was identified on CT (computed tomography) scans." In all likelihood he died of natural causes, Saleem said. The fact that Ramesses II lived to around age 90 was, in itself, quite a feat in ancient Egypt. At the time "most people died well before their 40th birthday and he was on the throne for two or three generations," Susanna Thomas, an Egyptologist who works at the Grand Egyptian Museum, told Live Science in an email. Ramessees II outlived many of his wives and children and it was Merneptah, his 13th-oldest son, who succeeded him as pharaoh. Thomas noted that there is no evidence of any fighting over the throne when Merneptah became pharaoh. "Twelve of his elder brothers had died before him and frankly he [Merneptah] was just next in line," Thomas said. Merneptah was probably already in his sixties when he became pharaoh and he launched a program of building new palaces and other buildings, Thomas said. While Merneptah's accession occurred without incident, his successors did face internal strife. "Ramesses II grandson Seti II has to deal with an usurper [named Amenmesse] who seems to have been successful in ruling over Upper Egypt for a couple of years" Henning Franzmeier, a senior research affiliate at the Cyprus Institute who is the field director of excavations at Pi-Ramesses, told Live Science in an email. Some of Seti II's successors also faced quarrels over the throne. The vast number of children that Ramesses II had complicated questions over succession as his descendants vied for power. There were "hundreds of members of the royal family who might have felt inclined to seek for power," Franzmeier said. In addition to internal turmoil, Egypt experienced invasions from a group known as the "Sea Peoples." One invasion occurred during Merneptah's reign while another occurred during the reign of Ramesses III (reign circa 1184 to 1153 B.C.). The internal quarrels over the throne, along with problems dealing with the Sea Peoples invasions, "ultimately led to the decline of royal power in Egypt," Franzmeier said. Ramesses II was so powerful, he was worshipped in life as a living god. And even after death, his cult continued to some degree. RELATED STORIES —Ramesses II's sarcophagus finally identified thanks to overlooked hieroglyphics —Ancient tomb of Pharaoh Ramesses II official discovered at Saqqara —Archaeologists find top half of giant Ramesses II statue, completing a century-long puzzle "Surprisingly his cult is not attested widely after his death — although bits and pieces of evidence do appear," Campbell Price, a curator of Egypt and Sudan at the Manchester Museum, told Live Science in an email. A sarcophagus mentions a priest devoted to the worship of Ramesses II who lived at the site of Abydos during the Ptolemaic period (circa 304 to 30 B.C.) Price said. This means that some people were still worshipping Ramesses II 1,000 years after he died. Price noted that pharaohs named themselves "Ramesses" or "Usermaatre" (his throne name) for centuries after Ramesses II's death. Pharaohs also treated items of his with great respect. "Objects from his robbed tomb were clearly prized heirlooms and were incorporated into later royal burials at Tanis [an ancient city], surely with a sense of reverence for their illustrious ancestor," Price said.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Apollo Art Auctions Presents: Fine Ancient Art & Antiquities
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. LONDON, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Art Auctions is proud to present Fine Ancient Art & Antiquities – The Prince Collection, taking place on 8th June 2025 at 1:00 PM GMT. The auction will be held live at our Central London showroom (63–64 Margaret Street, W1W 8SW) and online via the Apollo Art Auctions platform, offering collectors and institutions worldwide the opportunity to acquire rare and important works spanning millennia. This carefully curated sale features a spectacular range of antiquities from Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Viking, Medieval, and Western Asiatic cultures, dating from 6000 BC to 1600 AD. The Prince Collection offers not only exceptional artistry but also pieces with strong provenance and historical depth. Notable highlights include:Lot 2: Egyptian Sandstone Relief With Princess (Possibly Mut) - TranslatedThis exceptional sandstone relief of a princess (possibly Mut) and two lines of hieroglyphs to her right, comes with notable provenance and an impressive exhibition and publication history. It has been displayed at both the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, and is featured in Dr. Gerry D. Scott III's authoritative volume, Temple, Tomb and Dwelling: Egyptian Antiquities from the Harer Family Trust Collection. Lot 3: Egyptian Granite Bust of a Goddess From the early reign of Ramesses II, this finely carved granite bust reflects the craftsmanship of New Kingdom Egypt. Notably featured on the cover of The Collector's Eye: Masterpieces of Egyptian Art from the Thalassic Collection, its published status underscores its cultural and scholarly value. Lot 9: Graeco-Egyptian Gold Coiled Bracelet with Snake FinialsA beautifully crafted gold bracelet dating to 225–175 BC, showcasing snake finials with symbolic ties to protection, fertility, and deities such as Isis. This luxurious item was likely worn by the social elite and is a strong example of cross-cultural artistry. Lot 73: Apulian Bell Krater with Dionysiac SceneA beautifully decorated vessel attributed to the Black Thyrsus Painter, depicting a Dionysiac celebration scene. This krater, once used for mixing wine, comes from the prestigious collection of Pierre Vérité, a renowned Parisian collector known for his connections to artists such as Picasso. Lot 91:Superb Greek Corinthian Bronze HelmetAn iconic representation of Ancient Greek warfare, the Corinthian helmet remains a cornerstone of any serious militaria or classical antiquities collection. This example is particularly noteworthy for its distinguished provenance, having come from Joseph Mairitsch in Vienna, renowned for his collection of ancient art. What sets this helmet apart is the presence of dual plume attachments, a rare feature that suggests it may have been worn during a victory parade or ceremonial celebration, rather than standard battle use. All lots will be available for in-person preview by appointment at our London showroom. Our experienced, white-gloved team oversees all aspects of handling and in-house global shipping. For more information, to book a viewing, or to register to bid:enquiries@ | +44 7424 994167Explore the catalogue and register online at: in to access your portfolio
New York Post
21-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Expert identifies ancient ‘propaganda' praising an infamous pharaoh who may have challenged Moses
Ancient 'propaganda' that was used to support the Egyptian pharaoh who is believed to be a major character of the Old Testament has been spotted in Paris, according to an expert. Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, an Egyptologist from Paris-Sorbonne University and Institut Catholique de Paris, recently spoke with Fox News Digital about his findings, which are set to be published in the coming months. The expert found the propaganda, which is supportive of Ramesses II, on the 3,300-year-old obelisk that sits in Paris' Place de la Concorde. Olette-Pelletier saw the obelisk up close in 2021 after receiving permission to climb scaffolding to conduct research. Ramesses II, who was born in 1303 B.C. and died in 1213 B.C., is considered one of the most influential and powerful Egyptian rulers of the New Kingdom. The Egyptian monarch is often cited as the most likely candidate for the pharaoh mentioned in Exodus, though an explicit name was never given in the Old Testament. The pharaoh is said to have retaliated against Moses and refused his requests in Exodus — resulting in a series of plagues. Olette-Pelletier called the pro-Ramesses hieroglyphs 'propaganda.' 3 The Luxor obelisk on the Place de la Concorde in Paris seen on May 15, 2025. AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard He identified seven cryptographies, or codes, which assert Ramesses II's authority from 1280 B.C. on. 'It was a message from Ramesses II to the nobility,' the expert said, noting the Egyptian nobility were able to read the codes. Olette-Pelletier said Ramesses II was born before his father Seti I became pharaoh – and therefore was not conceived by the gods. Not being of divine essence could have hampered his legitimacy to the throne. 'The nobility, able to read cryptographies, might be tempted by an overthrow of power since Ramesses II was not born of theogamy and therefore not divine by birth,' Olette-Pelletier said. 3 Egyptian hieroglyphs seen on the side of the Luxor obelisk. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier The expert added, '[Ramesses II] spent the first two years of his reign emphasizing his divinity with his wife Nefertari by paying homage at Egypt's great shrines, and by buying priests.' 'In the process, he changed his name from Usermaatra to Usermaatra Setepenra, [which means] 'chosen of Ra.'' The obelisk has four sides, and Olette-Pelletier noted that the side that faces the Seine (and was intended to face the Nile) shows Ramesses II 'wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.' The expert also said that Ramesses II 'underlined his divine knowledge' by using codes to convey the swaying messages. 3 According to French Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, the obelisk has ancient propaganda in support of Ramesses II is written on the side. AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard 'The obelisk also contains hidden texts that show the nobility that he is a legitimate and divine king, thus averting a possible coup d'état,' Olette-Pelletier said. 'So, indeed, these are propaganda texts.' The cryptographies also claim that Ramesses II was the 'provider of the Nile flood and thus of the country's wealth,' according to Olette-Pelletier. The discovery is one of many finds related to Ramesses II that have been uncovered in the past year. In September, an ancient sword belonging to Ramesses' military was unearthed in Housh Eissa, a city in Egypt's Beheira Governorate. In January, Egyptian officials announced they would begin to restore Ramesses II's temple in the Luxor Governorate, the Ramesseum.
Fox News
21-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
Expert identifies ancient 'propaganda' praising pharaoh who may have challenged Moses
Ancient "propaganda" that was used to support the Egyptian pharaoh who is believed to be a major character of the Old Testament has been spotted in Paris, according to an expert. Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, an Egyptologist from Paris-Sorbonne University and Institut Catholique de Paris, recently spoke with Fox News Digital about his findings, which are set to be published in the coming months. The expert found the propaganda, which is supportive of Ramesses II, on the 3,300-year-old obelisk that sits in Paris' Place de la Concorde. Olette-Pelletier saw the obelisk up close in 2021 after receiving permission to climb scaffolding to conduct research. Ramesses II, who was born in 1303 B.C. and died in 1213 B.C., is considered one of the most influential and powerful Egyptian rulers of the New Kingdom. The Egyptian monarch is often cited as the most likely candidate for the pharaoh mentioned in Exodus, though an explicit name was never given in the Old Testament. The pharaoh is said to have retaliated against Moses and refused his requests in Exodus — resulting in a series of plagues. Olette-Pelletier called the pro-Ramesses hieroglyphs "propaganda." He identified seven cryptographies, or codes, which assert Ramesses II's authority from 1280 B.C. on. "It was a message from Ramesses II to the nobility," the expert said, noting the Egyptian nobility were able to read the codes. Olette-Pelletier said Ramesses II was born before his father Seti I became pharaoh – and therefore was not conceived by the gods. Not being of divine essence could have hampered his legitimacy to the throne. "The nobility, able to read cryptographies, might be tempted by an overthrow of power since Ramesses II was not born of theogamy and therefore not divine by birth," Olette-Pelletier said. The expert added, "[Ramesses II] spent the first two years of his reign emphasizing his divinity with his wife Nefertari by paying homage at Egypt's great shrines, and by buying priests." "In the process, he changed his name from Usermaatra to Usermaatra Setepenra, [which means] 'chosen of Ra.'" The obelisk has four sides, and Olette-Pelletier noted that the side that faces the Seine (and was intended to face the Nile) shows Ramesses II "wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt." The expert also said that Ramesses II "underlined his divine knowledge" by using codes to convey the swaying messages. "The obelisk also contains hidden texts that show the nobility that he is a legitimate and divine king, thus averting a possible coup d'état," Olette-Pelletier said. "So, indeed, these are propaganda texts." The cryptographies also claim that Ramesses II was the "provider of the Nile flood and thus of the country's wealth," according to Olette-Pelletier. The discovery is one of many finds related to Ramesses II that have been uncovered in the past year. In September, an ancient sword belonging to Ramesses' military was unearthed in Housh Eissa, a city in Egypt's Beheira Governorate. In January, Egyptian officials announced they would begin to restore Ramesses II's temple in the Luxor Governorate, the Ramesseum.
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- The Guardian
Inside the world's largest archeology museum - the Grand Egyptian Museum in pictures
A visitor looks out towards the Giza pyramid complex at the world's largest archeological museum, which is slated to fully open this summer outside of Cairo. Photograph: Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty Images The museum's main hall. Sprawling over more than 100 acres and featuring some 100,000 artifacts, it is the largest museum devoted to a single civilization. Photograph: Daniel Greenhouse/Alamy A statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the museum's main hall. Egypt's longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak first proposed the museum in 1992, and construction on the project began in 2005. Photograph:After years of delays due to political unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic, parts of the museum opened in 2023 to limited tours. Photograph: Tamer Adel/Alamy The museum's grand opening is slated for 3 July 2025. Photograph: Robin Jerstad/Alamy Officials have said they expect the museum to draw 5 million visitors per year. Photograph: Robin Jerstad/Alamy Photograph:The top of the main building is level with the Giza pyramids. Photograph: GEM The building's facade pays tribute to the nearby pyramids and is made of translucent alabaster stone. Photograph: Tamer Adel/Alamy The original Egyptian Museum, in Cairo's Tahrir Square, will continue to operate. Photograph: robertharding/Alamy However many of its artifacts, including those from the reign of Tutankhamun, have been or will be relocated to the new museum. Photograph: Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty Images The final transportation and installation of a granite statue of Ramses II in 2018. Officials spent years assembling the museum's collection. Photograph: Barry Iverson/Alamy Today the statue presides over the museum's main hall. Photograph:Designers say the building's climate-smart designs – which include a reflective roof, external shading and resource-efficient lighting – help it save more than 60% in energy costs and reduce water use by a third. Photograph: David Ribeiro/Alamy An Egyptian archeologist works next to the gilded coffin of King Tutankhamun, which underwent an eight-month restoration process, the first since the tomb was discovered in 1922. Around 150 conservators and researchers work on-site restoring and studying artifacts. Many of the artifacts on display are being shown to the public for the first time. Photograph: Mohamed Hossam/EPA
