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Ramses II, also referred to as Ramses the Great was the longest ruling Egyptian pharao. Born in about 1302BC he was nearly 90 years old when he died. His reign saw a period of peace an prosperity for Egypt which has never been reached before or after. Ramses II was extraoridnary in many other respects too.

He is the first king in history, who signed a recorded peace treaty with an enemy, in his case, the Hettites. The document, dating from 1258BC has 18 articles and the basic structure has served as role model for peace treaties ever since.

Ramses was a great warrior who extended Egypt’s power and territory far beyond the modern day borders. Given his success and wealth, he was responsible for the construction of such impressive monuments as Abu Simble and the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Although he had many wives, his favorite was Nefertari whose burial chamber exhibits some of the most beautiful wall paintings of the time which have survived to this day.

Ramses’ II mummy has been moved several times by priests because of tomb robbers, but was discovered and displayed in the Egyptian museum in Cairo. However the mummy deteriorated and was flown to Paris to be examined and, if possible, restored. That was the occasion when Pharao Ramses II, or rather his remains, were isssued a passport in 1974, giving his name, profession as ‘king’ and was received in Paris Le Bourguet airport with honours befitting a monarch. Examination revealed, that the king has serious teeth problems, with an infection so severe it could have caused his death. He also suffered from arthritis and several old wounds and broken bones bore witness to the fact that he must have played an active role in the conquist of Egypt”s vast territory. An unrivalled impression of the great ancient ruler is conveyed by the four massive and incomparable statues of Ramses II in Abu Simbel.

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