Role as Warrior
One of the primary responsibilities of a pharaoh was to protect the Egyptian empire from any attacks or threats and prevent any internal revolts that would disrupt maat. Beginning at a young age, the king would develop various skills, most commonly being archery and charioteering. Numerous pharaohs presented themselves as a typical warrior pharaoh but also portrayed themselves as a part divine being, gaining characteristic such as superhuman strength and courage. Within many wall paintings pharaohs have depicted themselves wearing the blue crown as it was a symbol of war.
Ramesses II had a predominant role within the military organisation of Egypt beginning at the age of ten when appointed by Seti I as ‘Chief of Military’. Throughout his lifetime Ramesses II continually embarked on campaigns within Nubia and Syria and during his second year in reign successfully defeated the Sherden Sea pirates. Though Ramesses lead many attacks and campaigns during his rule, he is most renowned for his involvement and accounts of 'The Battle of Kadesh’ against the Hittites in year five of his reign. Though in the later years of Ramesses reign he dedicated a majority of his efforts towards various building programs, he continued to portray himself as a mighty and divine warrior through reliefs depicting Ramesses charging alone into battle, effortlessly bringing triumph to Egypt.
There are differing views between historians as to whether Ramesses successfully completed his responsibilities as Warrior. Though Ramesses actions during his earlier campaigns suggest that he may not have been a wise general, within Ramesses later years of reign the Egyptian Empire prospered and remained in peace for many years after the political alliance with the Hittites.
Ramesses II had a predominant role within the military organisation of Egypt beginning at the age of ten when appointed by Seti I as ‘Chief of Military’. Throughout his lifetime Ramesses II continually embarked on campaigns within Nubia and Syria and during his second year in reign successfully defeated the Sherden Sea pirates. Though Ramesses lead many attacks and campaigns during his rule, he is most renowned for his involvement and accounts of 'The Battle of Kadesh’ against the Hittites in year five of his reign. Though in the later years of Ramesses reign he dedicated a majority of his efforts towards various building programs, he continued to portray himself as a mighty and divine warrior through reliefs depicting Ramesses charging alone into battle, effortlessly bringing triumph to Egypt.
There are differing views between historians as to whether Ramesses successfully completed his responsibilities as Warrior. Though Ramesses actions during his earlier campaigns suggest that he may not have been a wise general, within Ramesses later years of reign the Egyptian Empire prospered and remained in peace for many years after the political alliance with the Hittites.