Ramses II: Pharaoh of the Exodus and His Long Reign

There are many Pharaohs in the history of ancient Egypt, but one name stands out due to the combined impact of historical records and popular culture: Ramses II. The details of his reign have been celebrated in various media forms, including films and literature. However, the precise length of his reign remains a subject of academic debate. This article will explore the various accounts and provide a comprehensive understanding of Ramses II's historical impact and the period during which he ruled.

Historical Context and Consensus

According to academic consensus, Ramses II reigned for a remarkably long period. The general accepted period is 66 years, but depending on the specific chronology used, the length can vary. One notable reference suggests that Ramses II overtook the throne at least 45 years after the passing of King Solomon, who is estimated to have ruled for 40 years (2924–2964 anno mundi).

Ramses II ascended the throne after the death of Solomon, as he received the dowry promised in a marriage agreement. It is important to note that the timeline mentioned (anno mundi) and other chronologies align with the historical figures of Ancient Egypt and the biblical references to their reigns. These timelines, as discussed by scholars like Pearlman YeC, portray the historical linkages between these different civilizations.

Ramses II: A Statistical Overview

To provide a clearer understanding of the reign of Ramses II, let's examine the timeline provided:

1292–1213 BC – Ramses II's reign

The list below outlines the reigns of other Pharaohs, along with Ramses II, to facilitate a better comparative understanding:

Ramses I: Under 2 years (1292–1290 BC) Ramses II: Over 66 years (1279–1213 BC) Sipta: Original Seaenrê-setepenrê (1198–1192 BC) Rameses III: Over 31 years (1187–1156 BC) Rameses IV: About 6 years (1156–1150 BC) Ramesses V: About 4 years (1150–1146 BC) Rameses VI: About 8 years (1146–1137 BC) Rameses VII: About 7 years (1137–1130 BC) Rameses VIII: About 1 year (1130–1129 BC) Rameses IX: About 18 years (1129–1111 BC) Rameses X: Over 3 years (1111–1107 BC) Rameses XI: Perhaps over 30 years (1107–1075 BC) Rameses XII: Perhaps over 6 years (1075–1068 BC)

Dates and Chronologies

The specific dates provided in this list are based on an accepted "Low Chronology" of ancient Egyptian history. This chronology helps scholars align historical and biblical timelines, providing a more precise understanding of the periods during which these pharaohs ruled.

It is also notable to mention that the founding of Egypt, as per the biblical chronology, is generally considered to have occurred much earlier than the consensus view, around 2448 BC. This aligns with the timeline proposed by scholars for the Exodus (c. 1290–1213 BC), placing the Pharaoh of the Exodus in this period. However, the exact identity of this Pharaoh remains a matter of debate.

Further research and alignment of these timelines often involves interdisciplinary studies, including archaeology, history, and even biblical studies, all of which contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient world.

Conclusion

The reign of Ramses II is one of the longest in the history of ancient Egypt. His rule lasted over 66 years, significantly longer than most of his predecessors. While there is ongoing debate about the exact dates and events during his reign, his impact on ancient Egyptian society, culture, and politics is undoubtedly profound. Scholars continue to study his reign and its place within the broader context of ancient Egyptian history, providing ongoing insights into the ancient world.