This 5-page, 5-source piece analyzes the life and accomplishments of the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II. The author discusses how Ramses was destined to be a warrior king from his early 20s. However, Ramses' most important contribution to Egyptian society was a peace treaty with the Hittites, Egypt's perennial rivals. After securing peace by marrying a Hittite princess, Ramses focused on architecture and the treasury, creating the temple of Abu Simbel and the mortuary temple at Thebes. Ramses II also fathered 100 children and is believed to have been the unnamed Biblical pharaoh who caused the Hebrew Exodus. The author concludes by pointing out that many of the archaeological findings concerning Ramses are fairly new, the most recent of which occurring just six months ago. 6 pgs. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
