The Ramesseum was built in the 13th century BC, during the era of the New Kingdom – the golden age of ancient Egyptian civilization. This period is characterized by unprecedented power of Egypt, the expansion of its borders, and the flourishing of art, architecture, and international diplomacy. The temple is located on the west bank of the Nile, near the Valley of the Kings.
The temple was erected by Pharaoh Ramesses II the Great (c. 1279–1213 BC), one of the most powerful rulers in Egypt`s history. His 66-year reign became a symbol of Egyptian grandeur. Ramesses II was not only a talented administrator but also an outstanding military leader who conducted numerous successful campaigns against the Hittites, Libyans, and Nubians. His ambitions extended far beyond military victories—he sought to immortalize his name in stone, creating monumental structures throughout Egypt.
Construction Goals: Between Religion and Politics
Funerary Cult: Its primary purpose was to serve as a memorial temple (a "Mansion of Millions of Years") for the cult of the pharaoh after his death, where rituals were performed to sustain his soul in the afterlife.
Political Propaganda: The temple glorified the military victories of Ramesses II, especially the Battle of Kadesh (1274 BC), which the pharaoh presented as his personal triumph.
Economic Center: The complex included administrative buildings, workshops, and storage facilities, playing a significant role in the regional economy.
Connection to Ancestors: Its location on the west bank of the Nile in Thebes (modern Luxor) was not accidental—this area was associated with the realm of the dead and was the resting place for many pharaohs.
Architecture and Structure: Grandeur in Stone
The Ramesseum is a classic example of a New Kingdom mortuary temple, though it significantly surpasses many analogues in scale.
Dimensions and Structure:
• The total area of the complex was approximately 10 hectares.
• The main temple stretched 180 meters in length.
• Traditional orientation from east to west—from life to eternity.
Key Elements:
• First Pylon (partially preserved): A monumental entrance about 20 meters high, decorated with reliefs of military scenes.
• First Courtyard: Once surrounded by columns, this is where the colossal statue of Ramesses II stood.
• Second Pylon: The transition to the more sacred part of the temple.
• Hypostyle Hall: The heart of the temple with 48 columns divided into three naves.
• Sanctuary: The most mysterious place, housing the statue of the god Amun and, perhaps, the pharaoh himself represented as a deity.
• Temple Storehouses: A unique feature of the Ramesseum: over 100 stone vaulted rooms for storing grain, wine, oil, and tribute from conquered territories.
Architectural Features:
• Use of sandstone and granite.
• Combination of massive forms with elegant reliefs.
• A complex lighting system that created a mystical atmosphere.
• Engineering solutions for lifting colossal blocks (as evidenced by found stone ramps).
Dedication to the Gods: The Divine Pantheon
The temple was dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra, the supreme sun god and patron of pharaohs. However, in a manner typical of Ramesses II, the complex also glorified his own divine essence. The pharaoh was identified with various gods:
• Amun-Ra: as the source of royal power.
• Ra-Horakhty: the god of the morning sun.
• Ptah: the creator god and patron of craftsmen.
• Set: during the early period of Ramesses II`s reign.
This multiplicity of dedications reflected Ramesses II`s policy of strengthening his divine nature and connection with Egypt`s main cults.
The Colossus of Ramesses: The Fallen Giant
One of the most impressive features of the Ramesseum was the giant statue of Ramesses II made of pink granite, which once towered in the first courtyard.
Characteristics of the statue:
• Full height: about 18 meters.
• Weight: approximately 1,000 tons.
• Material: granite from the quarries of Aswan (transported over 270 km).
• Pose: The pharaoh sits on a throne, crowned with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Current State: Today, tourists see only huge fragments—the torso, part of the head, and pieces of the legs lying on the ground. The statue`s fall likely occurred due to an earthquake in antiquity. These fragments make an indelible impression—even in a ruined state, they convey the grandeur of the design. The head of the statue, lying face up on the ground, has become one of the symbols of the Ramesseum.
The walls of the Ramesseum are covered with detailed bas-reliefs
Military Scenes:
• Battle of Kadesh: The most detailed depiction of this battle, showing the pharaoh in a war chariot, the siege of the Hittite fortress, and chaotic battle scenes.
• Scenes from Syrian and Nubian campaigns: A demonstration of Egypt`s military might.
• Processions of prisoners: Symbolic subjugation of enemies.
Religious Subjects:
• The pharaoh making offerings to the gods.
• Ceremonies related to the funerary cult.
• Gods blessing Ramesses II.
Statues of Osiris in the Ramesseum
Dozens of statues of Ramesses II in the image of the god Osiris line the temple walls—standing figures with arms crossed on their chests, holding royal regalia (the flail and crook).
Symbolism of Osiris:
• Death and Rebirth: Osiris is the god of the underworld, resurrected after death, symbolizing hope for eternal life for the pharaoh.
• Royal Power: As the first mythical king of Egypt, Osiris personified the very essence of pharaonic power.
• Unity with the God: By depicting himself as Osiris, Ramesses II emphasized his divine nature.
• Protection: The statues served as "guardians" of the temple, providing symbolic protection for the sacred space.
Such an abundance of Osiride pillars is characteristic of New Kingdom mortuary temples, where the pharaoh sought to affirm his eternal life and divine status.
Legends and Mysteries of the Ramesseum
Biblical Connection: Some 19th-century researchers identified the Ramesseum with the biblical "Pithom" or "Raamses"—cities that, according to tradition, were built by Hebrew slaves. Modern Egyptology rejects this theory, but it remains part of popular mythology.
Curse of the Statue: A local legend exists that the statue of Ramesses II fell at the moment Islam came to Egypt, as a sign of the end of the ancient religion.
Construction Mystery: How the Egyptians managed to transport the 1,000-ton statue from Aswan and erect it vertically remains a subject of scientific debate.
The Lost Library: The Greek historian Diodorus Siculus mentioned the "Tomb of Ozymandias" with a library containing sacred texts. Some researchers believe this description refers to the Ramesseum, but the library has never been found.
The Ramesseum Today: What Tourists Can See
• Majestic Ruins: Although the temple is significantly destroyed, the preserved elements allow one to appreciate its original scale.
• Fragments of the Colossal Statue—the most photographed object.
• The Hypostyle Hall with preserved columns and fragments of ceilings.
• Reliefs on the walls, still astounding in their detail.
• Osiride Pillars—rows of statues of the pharaoh in the image of Osiris.
• Remains of Temple Storehouses—a unique architectural feature.
• The Second Courtyard with column bases and fragments of decoration.
The Ramesseum remains not just an architectural monument, but a stone chronicle of an era, the embodiment of a great pharaoh`s ambitions, and a testament to the incredible skill of ancient Egyptian builders.
