3,324 years ago, in 1301 BCE, Egypt was under the reign of Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great (r. 1279–1213 BCE), one of the most powerful and celebrated pharaohs of the New Kingdom. This was Egypt’s golden age—marked by military strength, monumental construction projects, and a thriving economy.
Egyptian Society & Daily Life
Egypt was a well-structured society with a clear social hierarchy:
• Pharaoh – Ramesses II was considered a god on Earth, ruling with divine authority.
• Nobles & Priests – Controlled religious ceremonies and vast temple estates.
• Scribes & Officials – Managed government records, taxes, and laws.
• Artisans & Builders – Created statues, paintings, and worked on massive construction projects.
• Farmers & Laborers – The backbone of Egypt, growing crops along the Nile and working on state projects.
The daily life of Egyptians revolved around the Nile River, which provided fertile land for farming. Most commoners lived in mudbrick homes, while nobles had lavish villas with gardens. Markets were lively, filled with traders selling grains, beer, linen, and exotic goods from Nubia and the Levant.
Architecture & Monuments
Ramesses II was a master builder, leaving behind some of Egypt’s most stunning structures:
• Abu Simbel – A grand temple with colossal statues of Ramesses, carved into rock, dedicated to himself and the gods.
• Ramesseum – His grand mortuary temple in Thebes.
• Pi-Ramesses – A new capital in the Nile Delta, showcasing Egypt’s power.
• Karnak & Luxor Temples – Expanded with new statues and obelisks.
Military Campaigns & The Battle of Kadesh
Ramesses II was a warrior pharaoh, expanding Egyptian influence. His most famous battle was the Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE) against the Hittites, one of the largest chariot battles in history. Although the battle ended in a stalemate, it led to the world’s first known peace treaty between Egypt and the Hittites.
Religion & Culture
Egyptians worshiped many gods, with Amun-Ra as the supreme deity. Ramesses II linked himself to the gods, especially Ra, Osiris, and Ptah. Festivals like the Opet Festival in Thebes celebrated divine renewal, with processions and offerings. The afterlife was a major concern, with elaborate tombs in the **Valley of the
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