Ramesseum Temple
The Ramesseum is the grand temple built by Ramses II on the west bank of the Nile in Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. It is distinguished by its massive granite statues at the temple’s entrance and scenes of battles fought by Ramses II, carved into the walls of this temple.
Ramesseum Temple
Construction began shortly after Ramses II ascended the throne, possibly in the second year of his reign. Like other kings, he was expected to rule for a long time. The temple was decorated and embellished later. The ancient Egyptians called it the “Temple of a Million Years.”
The temple complex is vast, more than 60 meters wide. It features a grand hall with 48 huge columns. Behind the first courtyard stands a colossal statue of Ramses II, approximately 17.5 meters high and weighing about 1000 tons, possibly one of the largest statues in the world.
The building and exterior walls are adorned with images and carvings depicting Ramses II’s battles and military campaigns, including his victory in the Battle of Kadesh—a complete and detailed record of the battle he fought against the Hittites.
The second courtyard is surrounded by statues of Osiris representing Ramses II. Behind this courtyard lies the large hypostyle hall, well preserved, with part of its ceiling still intact. The ceiling is decorated with golden stars on a beautiful blue background.
Archaeologists have discovered remains of two temples within the complex, possibly dedicated to his mother and his wife Nefertari. Excavations were conducted in the late 19th century, with restoration work ongoing since the early 1990s. Rooms, kitchens, and storage areas have been found.
The Ramesseum was one of the richest temples in all of Egypt, perhaps the richest. The growing power of the priests stemmed from the wealth of this temple. The royal scribe and head of the treasury, Ba Nahsi, mentioned in the king’s 24th year that 48,000 people worked in the temple, including farmers who tended livestock, birds, and other animals.
An inscription in the Great Hypostyle Hall states that the supplies in the food storages reached the heavens and that the treasury contained electrum, royal linen, gold, and precious stones.