Ep 12. Ramses II

In the season 1 episode 12 of Decisive Battles, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Ramses II, one of the most remarkable pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Ramses II was a warrior, a builder, a diplomat, and a lawmaker, who ruled over Egypt for 67 years during the New Kingdom period, from 1279 BC to 1213 BC.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the geopolitical situation in the ancient Near East during Ramses' time. We learn that Egypt was a superpower at the time, but it faced serious threats from its neighbors, particularly the Hittites, a powerful kingdom based in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The Hittites were expanding their influence and their territory, and they became a major rival to Egypt for dominance in the region.

To counter this threat, Ramses II launched a series of military campaigns into the Levant, the area that includes modern-day Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. The most famous of these campaigns was the Battle of Kadesh, fought around 1274 BC, which is considered one of the largest chariot battles in history. The program recreates the battle with CGI animations, showing us the tactics and weapons used by the Egyptians and the Hittites, as well as the desert terrain that challenged both armies. We also learn how Ramses' seemingly risky and impulsive move not only saved his life but turned the tide of the battle.

Despite being a bloody and inconclusive battle, Ramses II claimed victory and depicted himself as a great warrior and savior of Egypt in numerous monuments and inscriptions, as well as in his own autobiography. The program analyzes the propaganda and symbolism behind these portrayals, showing how Ramses' image as a fierce and wise ruler helped bolster his power and prestige. We also learn about Ramses' other military campaigns, including his invasions of Nubia and Libya, and his military innovations such as the development of new weapons and the establishment of a standing army.

However, Ramses II was not only a warrior but also a builder. He commissioned numerous construction projects throughout Egypt, including the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel and Luxor, the Ramesseum, his own funerary temple, and the city of Pi-Ramesses, his new capital in the eastern delta. The program takes us on a virtual tour of these landmarks, explaining their architecture, artwork, and religious significance. We also learn how Ramses' construction boom employed thousands of workers and stimulated the Egyptian economy, but also strained the environment and led to the depletion of resources.

Moreover, Ramses II was a diplomat and a peacemaker, who sought to avoid further conflicts with foreign powers and to secure Egypt's borders and trade routes. The program explores Ramses' diplomacy with the Hittites, especially his famous peace treaty with their king, Hattusili III, which is considered the earliest known recorded peace treaty in history. We learn about the negotiations that led to the treaty, the terms and conditions of the treaty, and the aftermath of the treaty, which established a period of relative peace and cooperation between Egypt and the Hittites.

Finally, the program reflects on Ramses II's legacy and his impact on Egyptian history and culture. We learn about his family and his personal life, including his numerous wives, children, and siblings, and his mummification and burial in the Valley of the Kings. We also learn about his cult of personality and how it influenced later generations of Egyptians and foreigners alike, from the Greeks and Romans to the modern-day tourists who flock to his monuments. We also hear from Egyptologists and historians who discuss Ramses' historical significance and his relevance to contemporary issues such as nationalism, identity, and memory.

Overall, the season 1 episode 12 of Decisive Battles provides a comprehensive and engaging account of one of the most fascinating figures in ancient history. It combines historical research, archaeology, and computer graphics to bring to life the world of Ramses II and to show how his decisions and actions shaped the destiny of Egypt and the Near East.