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...
The battle of Kadesh is one of the world’s largest chariot battles, fought beside the Orontes River, King Ramesses II sought to wrest Syria from the Hittites and recapture the Hittite-held city of Kadesh. There was a day of carnage as some 5,000 chariots charged into the fray, but no outright victor. The Kadesh Treaty...
A bronze Khopesh sword inscribed with the cartouches of King Ramesses II. The Khopesh is an Egyptian sickle-sword that evolved from battle axes. The blunted edge of the weapon’s tip also served as an effective bludgeon, as well as a hook. This Khopesh sword is made of bronze with a typical length of 57.5 cm....
This finely carved bust of Ramesses II bears a striking resemblance to a statue of the pharaoh housed in the Egyptian Museum in Turin. However, in contrast to the Turin figure (Cat. 1380), which is adorned with the regal Blue Khepresh Crown, the Cairo sculpture features a shoulder-length, blunt-cut wig with a distinctive fringe and...
Among the precious artifacts in the royal tomb of Psusennes I at Tanis, a bronze brazier, or oven, belonging to Ramesses II was found. It might have been an important object deposited in a palace or a temple in the vicinity of Tanis, or at Thebes. It was taken to Tanis as a sacred artifact...
This block is decorated with a traditional scene representing King Ramesses II smiting his enemies. He wears a complete, elegant costume; the Blue Khepresh Crown adorned with the uraeus, the collar called Usekh or Wesekh, an elaborate garment, two armlets, two bracelets and sandals. The King holds, in his left hand, three prisoners by their...
This silver vase looks like a pomegranate with a golden handle in the shape of a goat. It was discovered in one of the sanctuaries of goddess Bastet in Per-Bast or Bubastis (Tell Basta). The goat’s legs give the impression of movement. Around the jug is a decoration of hearts, perhaps as a sign of...
This solid gold bracelet of Ramesses II is composed of two parts, linked on one side by a hinge and on the other by a clasp. The broader upper part of the bracelet is decorated with a double-headed duck. The body consists of a large chunk of lapis lazuli framed by broad bands of gold...
