Intro:
To a large ectent the mages and interpretations of of Rammes II have changed over time. This can be Demonstrated by the changed in the ancient and modern images of Rammes and the interpretations of his reign from ancient times to the modern day.
Para 1:
During his reign, Rammes was seen as the God King. He was also seen as the upholder of Maat. Maat can be defined as the universal order, law, and justice. Rammes was believed to have the spirit of the God Horus residing within him and helping to guide him. He was the great protector of Egypt.
After his great victory at the battle of Kadesh, Rammes II, was so proud, he had the poem of Pentaur inscribed on the walls of temples at Abydos, Tuxor, Karnak, Abu Simbel and in his Ramesseum. This poem talks of his personal courage against overwhelming odds. Later, a Hittite verson of the battle was found which challenged the claims made by Rammes II.
Para 2:
Other ancient interpretations include Rammes being named Sesostris and Rhampsinotios. So great was the fame of Rammes that 1st century CE Diodorus writes Darius a Persion ruler wished to be compared to Rammes but was told by the chief priest that he had not yet established himself as someone who could be compared to Rammes.
During this period the interpretations of Rammes reflected the Greek’s obsession with mobility, self-sacrifice, heroism and war.
Para 3:
Diodorus also has written about the reconstruction and public works that was undertaken by Rammes who he has called Sesostris. Diodorus speaks of Rammes in a very positive light and says his greatest achievement is that he “Made the country secure and difficult of Access against by enemies”.
Para 4:
During the early modern era there were early excavations that reviled the extent of Rammes building program. Napoleon Belzoni were two identities that lead these early excavations. Generally archaeologist of this era were impressed by Rammes achievements. Again this early modern interpretation reflects the nature of imperialism of the time and the importance of monarchy during this era because of the treasures that were being discovered. Egypt was becoming a tourist destination as people undertook ‘The Grand Tour’.
Para5:
In his poem ‘Ozymandias’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the speaker describes meeting with someone who has travelled to Egypt. The traveller speaks of an old statue that is broken. He describes the face of a stern ruler and wrinkled lips, and a sneer of cold command.
The inscription on the pedestal proclaims the greatness of Ozymandias (Rammes II). ‘My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings, Look on my works ye mighty, and despair”. There is no further evidence of his greatness, just a ruin in the desert. At this point the poem concludes tbe inscription suggests that Rammes was arrogant and had grand ideas about himself that he wanted to be enshrined in history for all time.
Para 6:
In the contempory era as more research has emerged, historians have become more sceptical about Rammes. He has generally been acknowledged as a good ruler who’s people thrived during his long reign. However, research also indicates that he is self-absorbed and a propagandist.
Para 7:
In popular culture which includes books and movies. Rammes has been used extensively and chacterised in various ways. He appears in historical novels by the French writer Christian Jacq. The graphic ‘watchmen’. ‘Ancient Evenings’ by Norman Mailer and the Ann Rice Book ‘The Mummy’. In movies, Rammes II is the pharaoh of choice. He appears as main a character in in the 1956 classic ‘The Ten Commandments’ in this movie, the actor who played him, Yul Brynner was bald. He plays Rammes as a vengeful tyrant in the animated film ‘The Prince of Egypt’ (1998) Rammes is portrayed as Moses’ adoptive brother and plays a villainous role. In the animated version. Rammes also appears as a character in the 2014 film Exodus: Gods and Kings, played by Australian actor Joel Edgerton.
Para 8:
In Physical terms, an examination of Rammes mummy revels that he had a hooked nose and a strong jaw line he would have been about 1.7m tall. Microscopic of his hair proves that he was a natural redhead. In ancient Egypt, redheads were associated with the God Set. In the movies that portrays him he is not shown as a man with red hair. So popular movies have changed his physical image to reflect modern day tastes. In 1974, the his mummy was flown to Paris, and issued with an Egyptian passport that listed his occupation as ‘King (Deceased)’ His body was received with full military honours. Even in 1974, the legacy of Rammes was so great he was being afforded the treatment of a royal person.
Para 9:
Death enhanced rather than diminished Rammes reputation. He served as a role model for most of successors but not all of them. Many of his immediate successors also adopted the name of Rammes. They were choosing to associate themselves in an obvious manner even though they were not his direct descendants, only one of his name sakes Rammes III came close to emulating the achievements of Rammes II.