Ramesses II
A Pharaoh who stressed his family's royal status by depicting numerous children on monuments early in his reign.
Ramesses II was a Pharaoh who had between 48 and 50 sons and 40 to 53 daughters, whom he depicted on several monuments. He made no distinctions between the offspring of his first two principal wives, Nefertari and Isetnofret; both queens' firstborn sons and first-born daughters had statues at the entrance of the Greater Abu Simbel temple.
- Role
- Civilization Leader
- Affiliation
- Ancient Egypt
Lore & Background
Lists of Ramesses II's princes and princesses were found in the Ramesseum, Luxor, Wadi es-Sebua, and Abydos. His sons appeared on depictions of battles such as the Battle of Kadesh (Year 5) and the siege of Dapur (Year 10), suggesting several were born before he ascended to the throne. Many of his sons were buried in tomb KV5. Unlike earlier traditions that kept royal boys in the background, Ramesses prominently displayed his family, likely because his lineage was not of royal origin. He had six great royal wives besides Nefertari and Isetnofret: his daughters Bintanath, Meritamen, Nebettawy, and Henutmire (possibly his sister), plus two Hittite princesses. Except for the first Hittite princess Maathorneferure and possibly Bintanath, none are known to have borne children. The succession of crown princes included: Amunherkhepeshef (son of Nefertari) until Year 25; Ramesses (son of Isetnofret) between Years 25 and 50; Khaemweset (son of Isetnofret) between years 50 and 55; and Merneptah (son of Isetnofret) after the 55th year, who became pharaoh.
In Their Own Story
Ramesses II stood before the statues at Abu Simbel, ensuring his children were carved alongside him. His sons, from Amunherkhepeshef to Khaemweset, marched in depictions of the Battle of Kadesh and the siege of Dapur. While he honored Nefertari's children in the smaller temple, the greater monument featured statues from both Nefertari and Isetnofret. As his reign progressed, the crown passed from Amunherkhepeshef to Ramesses, then Khaemweset, before finally reaching Merneptah.
Reader's Guide
When learning about Ramesses II, note that he had between 48 and 50 sons and 40 to 53 daughters. He broke tradition by depicting his children on monuments early in his reign, a move likely intended to stress their royal status given his non-royal origins. Key figures include his firstborn son Amunherkhepeshef (crown prince until Year 25) and Merneptah, who succeeded as pharaoh after year 55. His sons were often present at major conflicts like Kadesh (Year 5) and Dapur (Year 10), and many were interred in KV5.
Did You Know?
- Ramesses II had between 48 and 50 sons and 40 to 53 daughters.
- He is likely the same person as Seth-her-khepeshef or Sethirkopshef, with his name appearing on depictions of the Battle of Kadesh.
- Khaemweset, the second son of Isetnofret and crown prince between years 50 and 55, is often called 'the first Egyptologist'.
- Only Nefertari's children were depicted in the smaller Abu Simbel temple dedicated to her, while both Nefertari and Isetnofret's firstborns had statues at the Greater temple.
- Many of Ramesses' sons were buried in tomb KV5.