For over six decades, he ruled the most sophisticated civilization on earth. But while historians love to debate his architectural achievements (Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum) and his staggering progeny (over 100 children), I want to talk about something deeper: his courage. Not the fleeting bravery of a soldier in a single battle, but the existential courage of a king who decided to become a legend while he was still breathing.
In 1974, his mummy was flown to Paris for preservation. Incredibly, he was issued a valid Egyptian passport (occupation: "King (deceased)"). The French gave him full military honors upon arrival. king ramses courage
Furthermore, the temple was oriented so that twice a year (on his birthday and his coronation day), the sun would penetrate the inner sanctuary to illuminate the statues of Ramses and the gods—except for Ptah, the god of darkness, who remained in shadow. Ramses literally rewrote the laws of the universe to prove he was divine. For over six decades, he ruled the most
In 1881, archaeologists found his mummy. And here is the final, haunting image of his courage: His hair was red (dyed with henna), his skin was leathery, and his mouth was still curled in a slight, knowing smile. Even in death, he looked like he was in charge. In 1974, his mummy was flown to Paris for preservation