2016-12-15 Thu

Ramesses II (1279- 1213 BC) also known as Ozymandias or Ramesses the Great was the third Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty. He took the throne of Egypt on 15th December 1279 BC and ruled for 66 years until his death (1213 BC); the second longest reign of the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. During his reign, he led the Egyptian army against several enemies like Hittites, Syrians, Libyans, Nubians, etc and thus, not only expanded but also secured its borders against attackers.

In 1276 BC, he deployed troops and strategic points to capture the Sherden sea pirates who were attacking cargo-laden vessels travelling by sea routes to Egypt. Initially, he allowed them to attack their prey and then caught them in a surprise sea battle eventually defeating them decisively and capturing them all. He used his victory over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh to enhance his reputation as a great warrior. In reality, the battle was more of a draw than a decisive victory for either side but resulted in the world's first known peace treaty in 1258 BC.

He won many military campaigns, built numerous monuments and Egypt became powerful and prosperous during his reign. His impact was such that nine more Pharaohs took the name Ramesses in his honour. He is thus known as Ramesses the Great.

Central Bank of Egypt issued a 50 Piastres note (134 X 70mm) in memory of Ramesses II between 2006-2008. On the obverse is the Al-Azhar Mosque and its minarets with the statue of Tutankhamun in the watermark. On the reverse: the upper part of the statue of Ramesses II (Ramses II), backed by a vertical multi-colored ornamental band and a collection of lotus flowers and the sun boat. At the bottom right corner appears a Pharaonic cartouche. On the left side of the note is a drawing taken from the facade of a Pharaonic temple; Bank legend at the top left. Cartouche at right: Ra setup en ra ursa maat Ra selects (Ra strong in truth. This is the "Throne name" of Ramesses II). The texts on it are Central Bank of Egypt and Fifty Piastres.