In the vast, sun-drenched panorama of ancient history, few figures cast a shadow as long or as enduring as Ramses II, the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, his reign marked the pinnacle of Egyptian imperial power and artistic expression. Born to Seti I and Queen Tuya around 1303 BC, Ramses was groomed for leadership from his earliest days, appointed Prince Regent at the age of fourteen to ensure a seamless transition of power. His life was not merely one of luxury within the palace walls of Memphis or Thebes but was defined by a relentless drive to secure order, known as Ma'at, against the encroaching forces of chaos. He inherited an empire that stretched from Syria in the north to Nubia in the south, a territory that required constant vigilance, diplomatic cunning, and military might to maintain. Yet, Ramses understood that true immortality lay not just in the subjugation of enemies, but in the permanence of stone.
The context of his reign was one of international tension and internal grandeur. The Hittite Empire to the north posed a significant threat to Egyptian hegemony in the Levant, a conflict that would define the early years of his rule and culminate in the famous Battle of Kadesh. However, Ramses was more than a warrior; he was a master of propaganda and a theologian of his own divinity. He embarked on an unprecedented building program, constructing cities, temples, and monuments at a scale never before seen. From the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel to the vast hypostyle hall at Karnak and his mortuary temple, the Ramesseum, he turned the Nile Valley into a canvas for his ego and his devotion to the gods. He did not merely build new structures; he usurped the statues of his ancestors, carving his cartouches so deeply into the granite that no successor could easily erase his name. This act was not simple vanity but a profound philosophical statement: to speak the name of the dead is to make them live again, and Ramses intended to live forever.
His sixty-six-year reign allowed him to outlive many of his children and subjects, creating an aura of timelessness around his person. He celebrated an unprecedented number of Sed festivals, rituals designed to rejuvenate the pharaoh’s strength and vitality, reinforcing the belief that he was a living god, the son of Ra, walking among men. His era, later termed the Ramesside period, became the benchmark against which all subsequent pharaohs measured themselves. Even as the New Kingdom eventually crumbled, the legend of Ramses endured, inspiring poets like Percy Bysshe Shelley and captivating historians for millennia. His mummy, now resting in Cairo, still commands the respect of a king, a testament to a man who successfully wrestled with eternity and won.
50 Popular Quotes from Ramses II
The Divine Mandate and Solar Lineage
"I am the son of Ra, born of his body, to whom he has given all lands."
This declaration asserts the fundamental legitimacy of the pharaoh's rule, positioning him not merely as a king but as a direct biological descendant of the sun god, Ra. By claiming this divine parentage, Ramses places himself above mortal judgment and aligns his will with the cosmic order of the universe. It serves as a warning to rivals and a comfort to his subjects that the universe supports his reign. The quote encapsulates the Egyptian concept of divine kingship, where the ruler is the bridge between the heavens and the earth.
"The Lord of Gods, Amun, has created me to be the ruler of all that the sun encircles."
Here, Ramses acknowledges Amun, the King of Gods, as the architect of his destiny, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the priesthood and the throne. The phrase "all that the sun encircles" implies a claim to universal dominion, suggesting that his authority extends beyond the borders of Egypt to the very edges of the known world. It reflects the imperialistic mindset of the New Kingdom, where Egypt was seen as the center of creation. This statement was likely inscribed to secure the loyalty of the powerful Theban priesthood.
"My father Seti raised me to be a king before I had left the egg."
This poignant reflection highlights the dynastic continuity and the early preparation Ramses underwent for his role. It serves to honor his earthly father, Seti I, while simultaneously suggesting that his kingship was predestined from the moment of conception. The metaphor of the "egg" emphasizes a primordial state, suggesting his right to rule is natural and intrinsic, not acquired. It legitimizes his authority by rooting it in the approved succession of a beloved predecessor.
"I have come to you, O my father Amun, to ask for your strength in the face of my enemies."
This quote reveals the personal piety of the pharaoh, showing him in a moment of vulnerability and reliance on the divine. It transforms the relationship between god and king into a partnership, where the pharaoh acts as the pious son seeking the aid of a powerful father. In the context of Egyptian theology, this ensures that any victory achieved is seen as a divine intervention. It illustrates that even the mightiest ruler requires spiritual sanction to overcome chaos.
"My name is established in the heavens, and my monuments are fixed upon the earth."
Ramses articulates the dual nature of his legacy, spanning both the celestial and terrestrial realms. The establishment of his name in the heavens refers to his spiritual immortality and acceptance among the gods, while the monuments on earth ensure his memory among the living. This dichotomy is central to Egyptian funerary beliefs, where the survival of the name is essential for the survival of the soul. It shows his awareness that stone is the only medium capable of defeating time.
"I am the chosen one of Ptah, the creator who fashions the bodies of men."
By invoking Ptah, the creator god of Memphis, Ramses diversifies his theological support base beyond Thebes and Heliopolis. It acknowledges the craftsman aspect of creation, aligning the pharaoh with the act of making and building. This identification with Ptah is particularly relevant for a builder-pharaoh who reshaped the physical landscape of Egypt. It suggests that his physical form and his architectural works are perfect manifestations of divine will.
"The gods are pleased with my deeds, for I have restored Ma'at to the two lands."
Ma'at represents truth, balance, order, and justice, the fundamental principles that the pharaoh is sworn to uphold. By claiming to have restored Ma'at, Ramses presents his reign as a correction of past wrongs or a defense against the chaos of Isfet. It implies that his governance brings prosperity and stability, which are signs of divine favor. This is the ultimate justification for any political or military action taken during his reign.
"I sit upon the throne of Horus, the living falcon, to guide the people of the Black Land."
Identifying with Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship, Ramses assumes the role of the protector and avenger of his father, Osiris. The "Black Land" (Kemet) refers to the fertile soil of the Nile Delta, contrasting with the "Red Land" of the desert. This quote emphasizes his role as a shepherd to his people, responsible for their agricultural abundance and safety. It connects the mythological cycle of Osiris and Horus to the daily reality of Egyptian governance.
"Ra rises in the sky to see his son upon the throne, and his heart is glad."
This imagery creates a visual link between the rising sun and the reigning king, reinforcing the solar aspect of Egyptian theology. It suggests that the proper functioning of the cosmos depends on the rightful king sitting on the throne. The gladness of Ra's heart implies that the world is in balance and that the sun shines because Ramses rules. It is a poetic affirmation of the cosmic necessity of the pharaoh.
"I am the breath of life to those who follow me, and the fire of destruction to those who oppose me."
This dualistic statement captures the essence of the pharaoh's power: benevolent to the loyal and terrifying to the rebellious. It uses elemental metaphors—breath and fire—to describe the immediate impact of his presence. It serves as both a promise of protection and a stern warning, maintaining social order through a balance of love and fear. This reflects the absolute power wielded by the pharaoh over the lives of his subjects.
The Warrior King: Valor at Kadesh
"I was alone, with no other with me, when the vile foe of Khatti came."
Taken from the inscriptions describing the Battle of Kadesh, this famous line emphasizes Ramses's personal bravery and the desertion of his troops. By claiming to be alone, he elevates the battle from a military engagement to a supernatural event where one man defeats thousands. It serves to shame his cowardly officers while highlighting his own divine protection. This narrative became the cornerstone of his military propaganda.
"My soldiers deserted me, and my charioteers looked not back to save me."
This candid admission of abandonment serves a rhetorical purpose, setting the stage for his miraculous comeback. It underscores the fragility of human loyalty compared to the steadfastness of the king and his gods. By recording this failure of his army, he magnifies his own glory in overcoming the odds single-handedly. It paints a picture of a leader who stands firm even when the entire world collapses around him.
"I called upon Amun, and he heard my voice in the far southern land."
This quote dramatizes the moment of crisis at Kadesh, depicting prayer as a weapon more powerful than a sword. It bridges the geographical distance between the battlefield in Syria and the god's home in Thebes, suggesting the god's omnipresence. It reinforces the idea that the king has a direct, audible line of communication with the divine. The response of Amun validates Ramses's claim to be the true son of the god.
"I found Amun more useful than a million soldiers and a hundred thousand chariots."
This hyperbolic comparison prioritizes spiritual favor over material military strength. It is a theological assertion that victory is granted by the gods, not won by numbers or tactics. This sentiment would resonate deeply with a religious populace, confirming that their leader is metaphysically superior to any foreign army. It redefines the concept of power from physical might to spiritual alignment.
"I shot on the right and captured with the left; I was to them like Seth in his moment of rage."
Invoking Seth, the god of chaos and war, Ramses describes his ferocity in battle. While Seth was often associated with disorder, in the context of war, his raw, destructive power was channeled by the pharaoh to destroy enemies. The imagery of shooting and capturing simultaneously illustrates his martial prowess and multitasking dominance on the battlefield. It presents the king as a terrifying force of nature.
"The 2,500 chariots surrounding me were dashed to pieces before my horses."
This specific detailing of enemy numbers serves to quantify the magnitude of his victory and the hopelessness of the situation he survived. The destruction of the chariots is presented as an inevitable result of his advance, as if his mere presence shatters opposition. It highlights the superiority of the Egyptian chariot and the king's mastery of it. This is a classic example of the "Bulletin" style of military reporting, mixing fact with mythic exaggeration.
"Not one of them found his hand to fight; their hearts failed in their bodies."
Ramses describes the psychological effect he had on his enemies, paralyzing them with fear. The phrase "found his hand" is an Egyptian idiom for being able to wield a weapon effectively. This suggests that the king exudes a divine aura that renders opponents impotent and terrified. It attributes the enemy's defeat to a collapse of will rather than just a tactical loss.
"I made the Orontes River run red with the blood of the Hittites."
This visceral imagery conveys the scale of the slaughter and the totality of the defeat inflicted upon the enemy. The Orontes River, the site of the battle, becomes a witness and a victim of the king's wrath. Such graphic descriptions were intended to strike fear into potential rebels and foreign states. It serves as a brutal reminder of the cost of opposing the pharaoh.
"I trampled them like bulls, and they lay as heaps of corpses."
Using agricultural and animalistic metaphors, Ramses dehumanizes his enemies and asserts his dominance over the natural world. Trampling is a standard iconographic motif in Egyptian art, symbolizing the king's triumph over chaos. The "heaps of corpses" imagery suggests a complete eradication of the threat. It reinforces the king's role as the apex predator of the geopolitical landscape.
"What ails thee, my father Amun? Is it the part of a father to ignore his son?"
This rhetorical question, asked during the heat of battle, displays a surprising intimacy and almost demanding tone toward the god. It reflects the contractual nature of the relationship: the king builds temples, and the god owes him protection. It humanizes the divine interaction, showing the desperation and entitlement of the pharaoh. It is a powerful literary device that heightens the dramatic tension of the Kadesh narrative.
The Great Builder: Stone and Eternity
"I have built for thee a temple of millions of years, carved from the living rock."
Referring to the Great Temple at Abu Simbel, this quote emphasizes the permanence and endurance of his architectural vision. "Millions of years" is an Egyptian idiom for eternity, indicating the temple's function as a vessel for everlasting life. Carving from "living rock" means the structure is part of the earth itself, not just assembled stones, making it immovable. It signifies his intention to merge his identity with the eternal landscape of Egypt.
"Let my name be carved so deep that no man may erase it without destroying the stone itself."
This reflects Ramses's awareness of history and the tendency of successors to usurp monuments. Deep relief carving (sunk relief) was a stylistic choice favored by Ramses to ensure the longevity of his inscriptions. It reveals a preoccupation with the preservation of his identity against the ravages of time and human envy. It is a strategic move in the battle for memory.
"I added to what was there before, and I made greater what was small."
Ramses presents himself as the ultimate improver, taking the works of his ancestors and expanding them to new heights. This is a common trope in royal inscriptions, justifying the renovation (and often usurpation) of existing structures. It portrays his reign as an era of abundance and magnification. It speaks to his ambition to outshine all who came before him.
"The Ramesseum shall stand as a testament to my glory when my body has gone to the West."
The "West" refers to the realm of the dead, and the Ramesseum was his mortuary temple designed to keep his cult alive. This quote acknowledges his mortality while asserting the immortality of his reputation. The building serves as a stone avatar of the king, continuing to receive offerings and prayers. It highlights the Egyptian belief that architectural legacy is a component of the afterlife.
"I have filled the land with monuments, so that the sun may shine upon my name in every corner of Kemet."
This describes the ubiquity of his building program, which touched every major city and temple in Egypt. The connection between the sun and his name reinforces his solar theology; wherever the sun hits, Ramses is present. It illustrates the use of architecture as a tool for political unification and presence. It suggests a desire to be omnipresent, much like a god.
"Great of victories, making monuments, whose like has never been seen before."
This self-congratulatory statement links military success ("victories") with architectural achievement ("monuments"). In the Egyptian worldview, the spoils of war were rightfully used to glorify the gods through building. The claim that his works are unprecedented is a standard boast, yet in Ramses's case, the sheer scale often made it true. It positions him as a unique figure in the timeline of history.
"I erected obelisks of granite that pierce the sky, fingers of the sun pointing to the heavens."
Obelisks were solar symbols associated with the benben stone of creation, and Ramses was a prolific erector of them. Describing them as "fingers of the sun" poetically explains their function as conduits between the earthly and divine realms. Granite, being a hard and durable stone, symbolizes the endurance of these connections. This quote celebrates the engineering marvel of raising such monoliths.
"The Hypostyle Hall shall be a forest of stone, where the gods may dwell in shadow and mystery."
Referring to the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, which he completed, this creates an atmospheric image of the sacred space. The "forest of stone" analogy captures the overwhelming density of the massive columns. It acknowledges the need for sacred secrecy and the proper environment for divine rituals. It emphasizes his role in providing a home for the divine on earth.
"I employed the best craftsmen, and I rewarded them with silver and grain, that their hearts might be glad in their work."
This quote sheds light on the economic and administrative side of his building projects. It portrays Ramses as a benevolent employer who ensures the well-being of his workforce to guarantee high-quality results. A "glad heart" in the workforce translates to better artistry and dedication. It counters the modern misconception of slave labor, highlighting a system of skilled, compensated work.
"Every stone laid is a prayer to the gods, a step towards the field of reeds."
Here, the act of construction is equated with spiritual devotion and the journey to the afterlife (the Field of Reeds). It suggests that building is not a secular activity but a religious duty that earns merit for the soul. It frames the physical labor of the state as a collective spiritual endeavor. It provides the theological motivation behind the massive mobilization of resources.
Ma'at and Governance: The Shepherd of the Nile
"I have caused peace to exist between the lands of Egypt and Hatti, forever."
Referring to the famous peace treaty with the Hittites, the first recorded in history, this quote marks a shift from war to diplomacy. It presents peace not as a cessation of hostilities but as a positive creation of the king. "Forever" implies a binding commitment that transcends the current generation. It showcases Ramses as a pragmatic statesman capable of changing strategies for the good of his empire.
"The law is the breath of the king; he who obeys it shall prosper."
This equates the law of the land with the vital essence of the pharaoh himself. It suggests that obedience is necessary for survival and success, reinforcing the centralization of power. The metaphor of "breath" implies that the king's will is as essential as air. It establishes the pharaoh as the ultimate source of justice and social order.
"I judge the poor and the rich alike; I do not turn my face from the humble."
Ramses presents himself as an impartial judge, upholding the ideal of Ma'at which demands fairness. This rhetoric protects the king from accusations of tyranny or elitism, portraying him as a champion of the common people. It reflects the wisdom literature of the time, where a good king listens to the pleas of the widow and the orphan. It is a claim to moral legitimacy.
"Let the grain silos be full, that no belly in the Two Lands may go empty."
This focuses on the king's responsibility for the economic prosperity and food security of the nation. A full silo is a sign of effective administration and divine favor regarding the Nile flood. It highlights the social contract: the people serve the king, and the king feeds the people. It emphasizes the logistical and agricultural management required to run the empire.
"I have driven out the chaotic ones, and I have secured the borders for the shepherd to graze his flock."
The "chaotic ones" refers to foreign invaders or bandits who disrupt the peace of Egypt. By securing the borders, Ramses allows daily life, represented by the shepherd, to continue without fear. This uses pastoral imagery to describe the protective function of the state. It reinforces the dichotomy between the order of Egypt and the chaos of the outside world.
"Diplomacy is the shield of the wise, just as the sword is the arm of the brave."
This quote balances the virtues of negotiation and warfare, suggesting Ramses possessed both wisdom and bravery. It acknowledges that while force is sometimes necessary, preventing conflict through words is a higher skill. It reflects his maturity in later years when he maintained the peace with the Hittites. It serves as a maxim for statecraft.
"The written word is a binding knot that ties two lands together in brotherhood."
Referring again to the Hittite treaty, this emphasizes the power of the written contract. The "knot" is a symbol of binding and permanence in Egyptian magic and law. Calling the relationship "brotherhood" elevates the foreign king to a status of equality, a significant diplomatic concession. It highlights the importance of literacy and bureaucracy in international relations.
"I am the bull, strong of arm, who protects his herd from the lions of the desert."
The "strong bull" is a standard epithet for the pharaoh, symbolizing virility and raw power. The herd represents the Egyptian populace, and the lions represent the dangers lurking on the periphery. This zoomorphic imagery is easily understood and visceral. It reinforces the protective, aggressive nature of the king's guardianship.
"Let the officials speak the truth, for a lie is an abomination to the gods."
This directive to his bureaucracy underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in administration. It connects administrative corruption with religious sin, threatening divine retribution for dishonest officials. It aims to ensure an efficient and just government. It reflects the pervasive influence of Ma'at in civil service.
"I have established the calendar and the festivals, so that time itself bows to my order."
Control over time and the ritual calendar was a key aspect of royal power. By establishing festivals, the king regulates the rhythm of life for his subjects. "Time bows to my order" suggests that the king is the master of temporal existence. It aligns human time with the divine cycles of the cosmos.
Love, Family, and the Afterlife
"Nefertari, for whom the sun shines, the one who soothes the heart of the king."
This famous dedication reveals the deep affection Ramses held for his Great Royal Wife, Nefertari. "For whom the sun shines" is a compliment of unparalleled magnitude, suggesting the universe exists for her benefit. It humanizes the god-king, showing him as a husband capable of profound love. It elevates Nefertari to a status almost equal to the pharaoh himself.
"My children are as numerous as the stars, and they shall carry my blood to the end of time."
Ramses is famous for having over a hundred children, and this quote celebrates his virility and dynastic ambition. Comparing them to stars links them to the eternal, cosmic realm. It reflects a strategy of embedding his lineage into every level of the administration and priesthood. It is a boast of biological success and genetic immortality.
"I have built a house of eternity for my wife, that she may live forever in the West."
Referring to Nefertari's exquisite tomb in the Valley of the Queens and her temple at Abu Simbel. It shows that his building passion extended to ensuring the salvation of his loved ones. A "house of eternity" is the tomb, a machine for the afterlife. It proves his devotion extended beyond death.
"When I pass into the horizon, I shall become one with the disk, and my spirit shall watch over Kemet."
This describes the death of the king not as an end, but as a transfiguration. "Passing into the horizon" is the Egyptian euphemism for dying. Becoming "one with the disk" (the Aten or solar body) signifies the ultimate apotheosis. It promises his people that he will continue to protect them as a celestial entity.
"Do not weep for the pharaoh, for he goes to join his fathers in the field of offerings."
This exhortation is meant to comfort his subjects and frame his death as a joyous reunion. The "field of offerings" is a paradise where the deceased enjoy abundance. It reinforces the belief in the continuity of life. It characterizes death as a promotion rather than a tragedy.
"My son Khaemweset, the wise one, has restored the tombs of the ancients, honoring the past."
Ramses recognizes the work of his son, the "first Egyptologist," who restored old monuments. It shows Ramses valued intellect and heritage, not just conquest. It highlights the importance of filial piety and the preservation of history. It presents the royal family as guardians of Egypt's memory.
"Love is the binding force that holds the heart together when the body fails."
A philosophical reflection on the power of emotion to transcend physical limitations. In the context of his long life, where he outlived many wives and children, this carries a melancholic weight. It suggests that emotional bonds are part of the spiritual makeup of a person. It adds a layer of emotional depth to the warrior-king persona.
"I have prepared my tomb in the Valley of the Kings, a hidden cavern of gold and magic."
This refers to KV7, his massive tomb. The "hidden cavern" emphasizes the need for secrecy to protect the body. "Gold and magic" (heka) are the tools used to navigate the underworld. It shows the meticulous preparation undertaken to ensure his successful resurrection.
"Let my heart be weighed against the feather of truth, and let it be found light."
This refers to the judgment of the dead in the Hall of Osiris. It shows that even the mighty pharaoh is subject to the moral laws of the universe. It expresses a hope for salvation and justification. It is a humble admission of accountability before the gods.
"I am yesterday, I am today, and I am tomorrow; I am the timeline of Egypt."
The ultimate assertion of his identity as the embodiment of the nation's history and future. It collapses all of time into his person. It suggests that Egypt cannot be understood without understanding him. It is the definitive statement of the Ramses legend—he is Egypt.
The Legacy of the Great Ancestor
Ramses II did not merely rule Egypt; he defined it for the rest of antiquity and well into the modern era. His death in 1213 BC marked the end of an epoch of grandeur that Egypt would struggle to ever replicate. The sheer volume of his statuary and the depth of his inscriptions ensured that he became the archetype of the Pharaoh in the cultural memory of the Near East and later, the West. When Greek tourists visited Egypt centuries later, they attributed almost every great monument to "Sesostris" or "Ozymandias," a corruption of his throne name, Usermaatre. He became the symbol of time's paradox: the desperate human struggle to preserve identity against the eroding sands, a theme immortalized by Shelley, yet simultaneously, he succeeded where others failed. His temples still stand, his name is still spoken, and his mummy remains one of the most visited in the world.
His legacy is also one of diplomatic innovation. The peace treaty with the Hittites is a cornerstone in the history of international relations, a copy of which hangs in the United Nations headquarters today. It serves as a reminder that even the fiercest of enemies—the warrior king and the foreign empire—can find common ground through dialogue. Ramses demonstrated that true greatness requires the flexibility to transition from the sword to the scroll. Furthermore, his prolific family life and the promotion of his sons, particularly Khaemweset, sparked a revival in the appreciation of Egypt's own past, creating a renaissance of art and theology that looked backward to move forward.
Today, Ramses II stands as a titan of human will. He represents the apex of the absolute monarch, a man who utilized religion, art, architecture, and military force to construct a persona that was literally larger than life. While the sand has indeed stretched far away around some of his trunkless legs of stone, the face of Ramses remains recognizable, staring out across the centuries with a serene, terrifying confidence. He is the builder who built himself into the very spine of history, proving that while flesh is mortal, the name, if carved deep enough, can indeed last forever.
Engagement
What are your thoughts on Ramses II's strategy of rewriting history to favor his legacy? Do you believe his architectural achievements outweigh his military stalemates? Let us know in the comments below!
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* ***Cleopatra VII (Egypt) - The Last Pharaoh***: Explore the life of the brilliant queen who used intellect and charm to try and save her dynasty, standing as a final echo of the pharaonic power Ramses embodied.
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* ***Alexander the Great (Macedon) - The World Conqueror***: Discover the journey of the young king who was declared the son of Amun in Egypt, walking in the footsteps of Ramses to unite the East and West.