Ramesses II Social and Cultural Contribution essays

Ramesses II Social and Cultural Contribution essays Ramesses II Social and Cultural Contribution Ramesses II the Great, as he is most commonly known, was the ruler of Egypt in the 19th dynasty. He was co-ruler with his father Seti I and at age 22 he was already known as a great and fearless warrior. After his father death at approximately 1279 BC, Ramesses II now at age 24 began his reign. He was a young ruler full of energy and ambition. He ruled for 66 years until the age of 90 and finally died at approximately 1212 BC with the status as the longest reigning king in Egypt. Ramesses II was known for the temples and monuments he erected during his reign. Soon after his father died he started building monuments and temples honoring his father. He erected many such as the temple at Abu Simbel, the hypostyle hall at Karnak, a mortuary complex at Abydos, the Colossus of Ramesses at Memphis, a great tomb at Thebes, additions at the Luxor temple and the famous Ramesseum (touregypt.net/19dyn03.htm). He also renovated many of the structures already standing from past dynasties. The sculpture that captivates sculptors the most is the great Colossus of Ramesses. It stands at about 33.8 ft. long even though it has no feet. The sculpture is perfectly carved and polished. Every hidden part of this enormous statue, are equally finished. Modern sculptors are amazed at the supreme craftsmanship, so amazed that one modern day sculptor commented: How these master carvers achieved perfect surfaces on this scale with simple tools was beyond my comprehension. My own twenty years experience provided no clue. But clearly this was not the work of slaves. This forty-foot length of stone could only have been brought to life though the sensitive hand and watchful eye of a master sculptor, and with a great deal of loving care. Unfortunately, Ramesses II did not pay too much attention or give as much attention to the engraving of text. However, his beau...