Ramses II, often dubbed Ramses the Great, was arguably the most powerful and celebrated pharaoh in the long and illustrious history of ancient Egypt. Ruling for an astonishing 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BC, his reign saw unparalleled military victories, massive construction projects, and an enduring legacy that continues to fascinate us millennia later. But how did this colossus of a king, this god-like figure, eventually meet his end? The story of Ramses II’s death is not a simple one. It’s a tapestry woven with historical accounts, medical analysis of his mummy, and educated speculation.
A Ruler’s Twilight: Old Age and Infirmity
Ramses II lived to be around 90 years old, an exceptional age for the time. While we often envision pharaohs as eternally youthful and vigorous, the reality of aging eventually caught up even with Ramses the Great.
His final years were undoubtedly marked by the decline that inevitably accompanies advanced age. Evidence from his mummy, along with historical texts, paints a picture of a pharaoh whose once formidable physique had succumbed to the ravages of time.
The Evidence of His Mummy: A Window into His Decline
The discovery of Ramses II’s mummy in 1881 provided invaluable insights into his physical condition at the time of his death. Modern scientific analysis has revealed a number of ailments that likely contributed to his declining health.
Arthritis: The mummy shows clear evidence of severe arthritis, particularly in his hips and spine. This condition would have made movement painful and difficult, likely limiting his mobility in his later years. Imagine the once-powerful king, who personally led armies into battle, now struggling to walk without assistance.
Dental Problems: Ramses II suffered from significant dental problems, including tooth decay and abscesses. Such conditions would have caused him considerable pain and may have affected his ability to eat properly, potentially leading to malnutrition.
Atherosclerosis: Perhaps one of the most significant findings was evidence of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This condition restricts blood flow and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. This evidence points toward cardiovascular disease being a major factor in his declining health.
Historical Accounts: Whispers of a Weakening Pharaoh
While ancient Egyptian texts often focused on the positive aspects of a pharaoh’s reign, some clues suggest that Ramses II’s physical capabilities diminished significantly in his later years. Although depictions of him during his reign always showed him strong and youthful, a closer look at later statues and reliefs offers subtle hints of a more frail figure.
Diplomatic correspondence from the period also hints at his declining health. Letters between Ramses II and other rulers sometimes mention his age and inability to travel, suggesting that his physical limitations were becoming a matter of public knowledge.
The Potential Causes of Death: Piecing Together the Puzzle
Given the evidence from his mummy and historical accounts, it’s impossible to pinpoint a single, definitive cause of Ramses II’s death. However, we can identify several factors that likely contributed to his demise.
Cardiac Arrest or Stroke: The Cardiovascular Connection
The presence of severe atherosclerosis strongly suggests that Ramses II was at high risk of a heart attack or stroke. A blockage in a major artery could have easily triggered a sudden cardiac event, leading to his death.
It’s important to remember that medical knowledge and treatment options were extremely limited in ancient Egypt. Even if a cardiac event wasn’t immediately fatal, it could have significantly weakened Ramses II, making him more vulnerable to other health problems.
Complications from Infections: A Vulnerable State
The dental problems that plagued Ramses II could have led to serious infections. An untreated abscess could have spread to other parts of his body, causing sepsis and potentially leading to organ failure.
Furthermore, his advanced age and underlying health conditions would have made him more susceptible to infections in general. Even a common illness like pneumonia could have been life-threatening for a man of his age and physical condition.
A Gradual Decline: The Inevitability of Old Age
It’s also possible that Ramses II simply succumbed to the cumulative effects of old age. The combination of arthritis, dental problems, and cardiovascular disease could have gradually weakened his body, eventually leading to organ failure and death.
In this scenario, there would be no single “cause” of death, but rather a gradual decline in overall health that ultimately proved fatal. The natural limitations of the human body, even for a pharaoh, would have taken their toll.
The Aftermath: Preparing for the Afterlife
Regardless of the precise cause of death, the passing of Ramses II marked the end of an era. His death triggered elaborate funerary rituals designed to ensure his safe passage to the afterlife.
Mummification: Preserving the Pharaoh for Eternity
The mummification process was a complex and lengthy procedure, involving the removal of internal organs, the drying of the body with natron salts, and the wrapping of the body in linen bandages. This meticulous process was intended to preserve the pharaoh’s body for eternity, allowing his soul to return to it in the afterlife.
Ramses II’s mummy was exceptionally well-preserved, indicating the high level of care and attention that was devoted to his funerary preparations. The quality of the mummification process has allowed modern scientists to learn a great deal about his life and health.
Burial in the Valley of the Kings: A Resting Place Fit for a Pharaoh
Ramses II was originally buried in his own magnificent tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This tomb was filled with treasures and provisions intended to sustain him in the afterlife.
However, due to the threat of tomb robbers, his mummy was later moved to a secret cache along with the mummies of other pharaohs. This measure was taken to protect the royal remains from desecration and ensure their continued preservation. The discovery of this cache in the 19th century was one of the most significant events in the history of Egyptology.
Ramses II: A Legacy Enduring Beyond Death
The death of Ramses II, while a natural conclusion to a long and eventful life, did not diminish his legacy. He remained a powerful symbol of Egyptian strength and prosperity for centuries to come.
His monuments and temples continued to inspire awe and admiration. His military victories were celebrated in song and story. His name remained synonymous with the golden age of Egyptian civilization.
Even today, Ramses II continues to captivate our imaginations. His mummy provides a tangible link to the past, allowing us to glimpse into the life and death of one of history’s most remarkable rulers.
In Conclusion
While the exact cause of Ramses II’s death remains a subject of debate, the evidence strongly suggests that he succumbed to a combination of age-related ailments, including arthritis, dental problems, and atherosclerosis. His advanced age and underlying health conditions would have made him vulnerable to infections and cardiac events.
His death marked the end of a remarkable reign, but his legacy as Ramses the Great continues to endure. He remains a symbol of ancient Egyptian power, ingenuity, and cultural achievement. His story, from his triumphs on the battlefield to his final days, serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination of ancient Egypt and the extraordinary lives of its pharaohs. The examination of his mummy and the study of historical records provide invaluable insights into the life, health, and ultimately, the death of this legendary ruler.
How was Ramses the Great's mummy discovered and identified?
Ramses the Great's mummy was discovered in 1881 in the Deir el-Bahri cache, a hidden tomb complex near Thebes, Egypt. This cache contained the mummies of several pharaohs and nobles, hidden to protect them from tomb robbers during periods of political instability. The discovery was made by the Abd el-Rassul family, who had been secretly looting the tomb for years before the authorities were alerted. Gaston Maspero, then director of the Egyptian Antiquities Service, officially investigated and secured the cache.
Identifying Ramses II's mummy involved several lines of evidence. Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the coffin and burial wrappings clearly identified him as Ramses II. Furthermore, physical characteristics of the mummy, particularly facial features, were consistent with depictions of Ramses II in statues and reliefs. Later scientific analysis, including radiological examinations, further confirmed the mummy's identity and provided insights into his age and health at the time of death, solidifying his identification as the famous pharaoh.
What were the likely causes of Ramses the Great's death?
Scientific examination of Ramses the Great's mummy has revealed a number of health conditions that likely contributed to his death. He suffered from severe dental problems, including abscesses and tooth decay, which would have caused him considerable pain and potentially systemic infections. Evidence also indicates he suffered from arthritis, particularly in his spine and hips, limiting his mobility and causing chronic pain. These conditions, combined with the natural aging process, would have significantly impacted his quality of life in his later years.
Beyond specific ailments, Ramses II lived to an advanced age for his time, estimated to be around 90 years old. While specific causes are difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty, the cumulative effects of age-related deterioration, coupled with pre-existing conditions like dental problems and arthritis, likely led to a gradual decline in his health and ultimately, his death. He likely succumbed to complications arising from multiple health issues rather than a single, acute event.
Why was Ramses the Great's mummy taken to Paris in 1976?
In 1976, Ramses the Great's mummy was transported to Paris, France, for urgent conservation treatment. The mummy was showing signs of severe deterioration, including fungal growth and insect infestation. The Egyptian authorities recognized the need for specialized expertise and facilities to properly preserve the mummy and prevent further damage. The Musée de l'Homme in Paris, known for its advanced conservation techniques, was chosen as the location for the treatment.
The primary goal of the Paris expedition was to stabilize the mummy and address the threats to its preservation. Scientists meticulously cleaned and disinfected the mummy, removing the fungal growth and eradicating the insect infestation. They also conducted detailed scientific analysis to understand the mummy's composition and identify the factors contributing to its deterioration. This conservation effort successfully halted the decay and ensured the long-term preservation of Ramses II's mummy, allowing future generations to study and appreciate this important historical artifact.
What did the examination of Ramses the Great's mummy reveal about his physical appearance?
Examination of Ramses the Great's mummy has provided valuable insights into his physical appearance. He was estimated to be around 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall, which was considered relatively tall for the ancient Egyptians. His mummy revealed a strong jawline and a slightly aquiline nose, features consistent with depictions of him in statues and reliefs. Hair analysis indicated that he likely had reddish-brown hair, which may have contributed to the epithet "Red" sometimes associated with him.
The mummy also revealed signs of aging, including thinning hair and wrinkled skin. While mummification preserves the body, it does not completely erase the effects of time. The examination confirmed that Ramses II lived to an advanced age and that his physical appearance reflected the natural aging process. Furthermore, injuries and signs of wear and tear on his bones provided clues about his life experiences and activities, helping to paint a more complete picture of the pharaoh as a person.
What role did religion play in the mummification of Ramses the Great?
Religion played a central and fundamental role in the mummification process of Ramses the Great, as it did for all ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians believed in an afterlife, and mummification was essential to preserving the body so that the soul could return to it after death. The intricate process was designed to protect the body from decay and ensure its viability for eternity, allowing the deceased to navigate the underworld and achieve eternal life alongside the gods. The entire process was steeped in religious rituals and symbolism.
Specific deities were associated with different stages of the mummification process. Anubis, the jackal-headed god of embalming, was particularly important, overseeing the preparation and preservation of the body. Prayers and incantations were recited throughout the process, and amulets and other religious objects were placed within the wrappings to protect the deceased and ensure their safe passage to the afterlife. The mummification of Ramses II was not merely a practical procedure; it was a sacred act deeply intertwined with the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.
How does the death and mummification of Ramses the Great compare to other pharaohs?
The death and mummification of Ramses the Great share common elements with the practices surrounding other pharaohs, particularly those of the New Kingdom. The general techniques of embalming, including evisceration, dehydration using natron, and wrapping the body in linen bandages, were standard procedures for royalty and elites. The goal was always to preserve the body for the afterlife, following established religious beliefs and protocols. Elaborate funerary rituals and the inclusion of valuable grave goods were also typical for pharaohs.
However, Ramses II's case also exhibits unique features. His reign was exceptionally long, and his death occurred at an advanced age, making him one of the oldest pharaohs at the time of his demise. The subsequent discovery of his mummy in the Deir el-Bahri cache, along with those of other pharaohs, highlights the political instability and tomb robbing that plagued Egypt after his reign. Furthermore, the extensive scientific analysis and conservation efforts undertaken on his mummy in modern times distinguish his case, providing unprecedented insights into his life, health, and the mummification process itself.
What can we learn from studying the death and mummification of Ramses the Great?
Studying the death and mummification of Ramses the Great offers valuable insights into ancient Egyptian culture, beliefs, and medical practices. The meticulous process of mummification reveals their sophisticated understanding of anatomy and preservation techniques. The religious rituals associated with death and burial provide a window into their complex beliefs about the afterlife and the importance of maintaining the body for eternity. The artifacts buried with him offer clues about his status, power, and personal beliefs.
Furthermore, examining the physical condition of Ramses II's mummy allows us to learn about the diseases and health challenges faced by people in ancient Egypt. Evidence of arthritis, dental problems, and other ailments provides insights into their diet, lifestyle, and healthcare practices. The study of his mummy, therefore, provides a multi-faceted understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization, encompassing their religious beliefs, medical knowledge, social structures, and daily life.