Mummy of Ramesses II
The mummy of Ramesses II was discovered within the Royal Cache (TT320), near Deir el-Bahari in the Theban Necropolis. This cache was utilised by ancient priests to safeguard the royal and elite mummies from the threat of tomb robbers.
Unearthed by Egyptian locals in 1871, the cache contained the remains of numerous pharaohs, including Ramesses II and his father, Seti I. The ancient priests had rewrapped Ramesses II in linen and placed him within a wooden sarcophagus. Inscribed upon both the linen and the wooden coffin were his names and titles, written in hieratic script.
The mummy of Ramesses II displayed what Egyptologists have described as an “exemplary” standard of embalming. Though ancient tomb robbers had inflicted damage, the body remained remarkably well preserved, reflecting the embalming techniques of the 19th Dynasty. These included the use of subtle packing methods. The mummy is particularly renowned for its prominent nose—undoubtedly a feature the pharaoh possessed in life. The embalmers took great care to maintain this distinct trait by packing the nasal cavity with small seeds, resin, and, curiously, a tiny animal bone.
As is common among mummies, resin-soaked linen was also found within the torso.
Recent CT scans have confirmed that Ramesses II lived well into old age, some propose over 90 years old at the time of death, with his body displaying multiple ailments associated with advanced age, including arthritis and a hunched back. Analysis of his bones, teeth, and general remains strongly supports historical accounts that suggest he was over ninety at the time of his death.
Despite his advanced years, the king’s mummy measures 170 cm in height. Given the natural shrinking that occurs with age, combined with the effects of death and the drying process of mummification, it is reasonable to infer that Ramesses II may have been considered quite tall for his era—and indeed, by modern standards.
Though the mummy suffered some damage at the hands of ancient tomb robbers, modern examination continues to provide Egyptologists with valuable insights into the final years of Ramesses II’s life.
Unfortunately, his dental health was in a dire state. Dr Saleem noted “marked tooth wear and alveolar resorption,” along with a substantial cavity at the root of his left second molar—evidence of an abscess that would have caused excruciating pain. Even in the modern age, such a condition is agonising; one can scarcely imagine the suffering of an elderly man, over ninety years of age, enduring such torment in the ancient world.
As for the precise cause of death, it remains unknown. All indications suggest that Ramesses II passed away in old age, yet the exact circumstances of his demise remain inconclusive.
Related: Mummy of Seti I
Ramesses II goes to Paris
In 1976, over 3,000 years after his reign, the great Pharaoh Ramesses II embarked on an extraordinary journey—this time, not as a living ruler, but as a mummified relic of Ancient Egypt. His destination? Paris, France. The purpose of this historic voyage was conservation; French scientists had been enlisted to study and treat the pharaoh’s deteriorating remains, which were at risk due to fungal damage. Yet, in a peculiar twist of bureaucracy, Ramesses II required a passport to enter the country.
Under French law, all individuals—living or dead—needed official documentation for international travel. Thus, the Egyptian government issued Ramesses II a valid Egyptian passport, categorising his occupation as “King (deceased).” This extraordinary document, bearing the name and image of a ruler who had once commanded one of the most powerful empires in history, stands as one of the most unusual passports ever issued.
Upon his arrival in Paris, the late pharaoh was received with the full honours befitting a head of state. A military guard saluted his arrival, a testament to the reverence with which France regarded one of antiquity’s most illustrious figures. Over the following months, French experts meticulously examined and treated the mummy, successfully halting its deterioration.
Ramesses II’s journey to Paris remains a fascinating episode in the modern history of Egyptology. It highlights the intersection of ancient legacy and contemporary governance, where even the mightiest of pharaohs—who once claimed divine status—was subject to the administrative necessities of modern travel. His passport, an artefact in its own right, symbolises the enduring presence of the past in today’s world.
The 1976 Paris Study of Ramesses II
The 1976 scientific study of Ramesses II’s mummy in Paris provided invaluable insights into the health, physical characteristics, and embalming techniques used to preserve the remains of one of Ancient Egypt’s greatest rulers. Conducted by a team of French scientists at the Musée de l’Homme, the examination was initiated primarily to address the deterioration of the mummy caused by a fungal infestation. However, it also offered a rare opportunity to analyse the pharaoh’s remains in unprecedented detail.
One of the key findings of the study was related to Ramesses II’s physical stature and appearance. The examination confirmed that he stood approximately 170 cm (5 feet 7 inches) tall at the time of his death. Considering the natural shrinkage that occurs with ageing, death, and the mummification process, it is likely that he was considered tall for his time. His facial features, particularly his prominent nose, high cheekbones, and strong jawline, were well-preserved, offering a striking image of how the great pharaoh may have looked in life.
The study also provided crucial information about Ramesses II’s age and health at the time of his death. Remarkably, he was found to have lived to an exceptionally old age for the ancient world—estimated to be over 90 years. His remains displayed significant signs of arthritis, particularly in the spine, which had resulted in a noticeable hunchbacked posture in his later years. Additionally, he suffered from severe dental issues, including extreme tooth wear, alveolar resorption (loss of bone in the jaw), and an abscess in his left second molar. This abscess would have caused immense pain, and given his advanced age, it likely contributed to his declining health in his final years.
A particularly fascinating discovery was related to Ramesses II’s hair and the embalming techniques used in his mummification. The study confirmed that some of his hair had been preserved, and analysis suggested that it had been dyed red, possibly with henna. This finding led to studies indicating that the pharaoh had naturally red or auburn hair in his younger years, a trait that was often associated with royalty and the god Set in Egyptian mythology (interesting to note that Ramesses’ father Seti I was named after Set, so perhaps red hair was a familial trait). The embalmers also employed subtle packing techniques to maintain the shape of his features, even inserting small materials such as seeds, resin, and an animal bone into his nose to preserve its distinct shape.
Despite the extensive examination, no definitive cause of death was determined. However, all evidence pointed to Ramesses II dying of natural causes related to extreme old age. His various ailments—particularly arthritis, dental infections, and possible circulatory issues—would have inevitably contributed to his physical decline.
One of the most significant aspects of the Paris study was its impact on the preservation of the mummy itself. Scientists identified a fungal infestation that was actively deteriorating the remains. Fortunately, the team successfully treated the mummy, preventing further damage and ensuring that the pharaoh’s body remained intact for future study and display.
The legacy of the 1976 Paris study extends beyond the preservation of Ramesses II’s remains. The research provided an unprecedented glimpse into the life and death of one of Egypt’s most celebrated rulers, while also advancing the scientific understanding of mummification and the ageing process in ancient times. Moreover, the findings reinforced Ramesses II’s legendary status, confirming his remarkable longevity and leaving an enduring testament to his powerful reign. Today, his mummy remains one of the most studied and revered in the world, a lasting reminder of the grandeur of Ancient Egypt.
Related: Mummy of Thutmose III
Sources: Hawass, Z.A., Saleem, S.N. and D’Auria, S. (2018) Scanning the pharaohs: CT imaging of the New Kingdom Royal Mummies. Cairo: The American University in Cairo Press.
The mummy of Ramesses II is now on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), Cairo. JE 26214
