The woman that today is called Joan of Arc was actually born as Jehanne D'arc on January 6th 1412 in the small french town of Domremy, her name was anglicized for the english population. Joans parents were both peasants but the family lived comfortably.
She was the youngest child in her Family she had 3 older brothers and one substantially older sister.
Joan allegedy first heard the voice of god at age 12. When Joan was 16 she left home in order to answer the call of god who informed her that she was to assist the future king in recapturing french territory form its english invaders.
She became a succesful military leader, in fact some historians consider her one of the reasons for the turning point in the hundred years war. She was the youngest person in history to have ever commanded the armies of a nation, she was only 17 years old at the time.
The young lady was the individual who Crowned King Charles VII at his coronation ceremony after being told to by the voice of god she allegedly heard.
During her battles she was wounded twice, once in the chest with an arrow and once in the thigh after being hit by a crossbow. It is said in several contemporary sources that she predicted both of these injuries prior to their happening.
In 1430 Joan of Arc was captured by Burgundian soldiers who later sold her to English officials later that year for ten thousand gold francs. During her time in jail, Joan was tied to a bed in a regular prison. Tradition stated that she was supposed to have been held in a Church prison and be guarded by women but the english refused her this treatment.
In 1431 she was put on trial for heresy by her english captures. Although the Trial was performed by the church it is believed to have been rigged and paid for by the english government. The English supposedly threatened to torture Joan if she did not deny the voices she had been hearing. She eventually abjured and gave in to the wishes of the judge.
On MAy 30th 1431 Joan of arc was burned at the stake for heresy at the old square of Rouen. She was only 19 years old at the time. Witnesses stated that her last word was Jesus.
In 1456 her original trial was overturned. The church declared that Arc had been completely innocent of all crimes and was indeed a martyr. In 1920 the Catholic church cannonized her and made her into Saint. Which was rather ironic because this was the same church that burned her at the stake centuries earlier.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Marie Antoinette
Born as Maria Antonia Josepha Joanna on November 2nd 1755 in Vienna Austria, Marie Antoinette was the fifteenth child in her family. During her childhood she was educated very well, as would have been expected of an aristocratic child.
After the seven years war, Austria and France were both very interested in creating alliances that would prevent war and strengthen military connections. So they arranged that the young heir to the French throne and Marie would marry. This plot was created by their families when the young betrothed were less than 12 years old.
Once the young Queen arrived in France she had difficulty time adjusting to the new culture and various things that were expected of her. The young couple also faced many problems including the fact that in many ways they were opposite of each other. Louis was a very introverted man who enjoyed spending time alone doing solitary activities. While his wife was extravagant and very outgoing.
Initial Fears that the marriage had not been properly consumated were finally relieved when the couple concieved and Antoinette gave birth to their daughter Marie Therese Charlotte.
Due to her outgoing personality and luxurious lifestyle the queen was a magnet for controversy and scandal. Antoinette spent a great deal of time without her husband and was rumoured to have had an affair with the swedish diplomat Count Axel Von Ferson. Propaganda was spread throughout France stating the queen's extravagant spending and ignorance to the problems of her subjects. One of the most infamous things that antoinette allegedly said when asked how to feed the hungry or France was that they should just eat cake.
When French Workers stormed the Bastille Prison in Paris starting the French revolution, Antoinette took charge by meeting with officials and sending letters while her husband appeared to have been frozen in a state of shock, unable to react accordingly. This action led to the nickname of Madame Veto, because she appeared to have been taking political control in place of the king.
In june 1791 The royal family attempted to escape the chaos that was ensuing but were unfourtunately captured and returned to Paris. In January of 1793 the king was tried and convicted of treason by the revolters and was put to death.
During The Reign of terror, a tiemperiod that was filled with hundreds of deaths Marie Antoinette was charged with several crimes including theft, treason and sexually abusing her son. LIke her husband Antoinette was sentenced to death by guillotine.
Due to the French revolution and its consequences, Antoinette was the last Queen of France. Her reign is subject to both ridicule and admiration, depending upon which source you care to look at it.
After the seven years war, Austria and France were both very interested in creating alliances that would prevent war and strengthen military connections. So they arranged that the young heir to the French throne and Marie would marry. This plot was created by their families when the young betrothed were less than 12 years old.
Once the young Queen arrived in France she had difficulty time adjusting to the new culture and various things that were expected of her. The young couple also faced many problems including the fact that in many ways they were opposite of each other. Louis was a very introverted man who enjoyed spending time alone doing solitary activities. While his wife was extravagant and very outgoing.
Initial Fears that the marriage had not been properly consumated were finally relieved when the couple concieved and Antoinette gave birth to their daughter Marie Therese Charlotte.
Due to her outgoing personality and luxurious lifestyle the queen was a magnet for controversy and scandal. Antoinette spent a great deal of time without her husband and was rumoured to have had an affair with the swedish diplomat Count Axel Von Ferson. Propaganda was spread throughout France stating the queen's extravagant spending and ignorance to the problems of her subjects. One of the most infamous things that antoinette allegedly said when asked how to feed the hungry or France was that they should just eat cake.
When French Workers stormed the Bastille Prison in Paris starting the French revolution, Antoinette took charge by meeting with officials and sending letters while her husband appeared to have been frozen in a state of shock, unable to react accordingly. This action led to the nickname of Madame Veto, because she appeared to have been taking political control in place of the king.
In june 1791 The royal family attempted to escape the chaos that was ensuing but were unfourtunately captured and returned to Paris. In January of 1793 the king was tried and convicted of treason by the revolters and was put to death.
During The Reign of terror, a tiemperiod that was filled with hundreds of deaths Marie Antoinette was charged with several crimes including theft, treason and sexually abusing her son. LIke her husband Antoinette was sentenced to death by guillotine.
Due to the French revolution and its consequences, Antoinette was the last Queen of France. Her reign is subject to both ridicule and admiration, depending upon which source you care to look at it.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Elizabeth I -The Virgin Queen
Elizabeth was the daughter of the infamous King Henry VIII and his second Wife Anne Boleyn. Boleyn was tried and convicted of adultery and incest by her husband and was therefore beheaded. Elizabeth was only 3 years old at the time and was declared as illegitimate.
Elizabeth had 2 other siblings, both of which were in line for the throne before her. She had her half-brother Edward and her half-sister Mary. When their father died, edward took the throne at the ripe old age od 10 years old, becoming Edward VI of England. After edwards death in 1553, Mary Tudor took the throne and made catholicism the religion of england. For protection and to send a message Mary locked her half-sister in the tower of london for several months.
In 1558, after the death of Queen Mary, Elizabeth finally acended to the throne. She ruled for a total of 45 years, in which time she developed england as a much more stable culture by making religous compromises in order to apease both sides Elizabeth was the 5th and Final ruler of england in the Tudor Dynasty. Her reign is considered by many to be the Golden Age of england.
Her personality fit very well into her tudor heritage, also she generally had a calm demeanor she also had a violent temper that was well known throughout england. Much of this anger was put towards her cousin Mary Queen of scots who was believed to have been plotting against elizabeth and the protestand crown of england. Interestingly enough the two never met face to face, only through long distance correspondance. Elizabeth was well known for her prejudice towards Jewish people and the Catholics.
The period of her reign is often referred to as the elizabethan age, and is considered to be one of the most enlightening times in art, history and philosophy that england has ever seen. She passionate of the arts and had many hobbies including music, painting and writing. In fact she corresponded frequently with famous playwrights and poets of that era. She was very fond of fashion and would dress up very extravagantly to go out in the public eye.
Although known as the virgin queen because she never married, Elizabeth the first was rumoured to have had affairs with several prominent men. This list included Robert Dudley, one of her coutiers and Sir Walter Raliegh, a very influential poet of that period. She used her unmarried status as a political bargaining tool on many occasions. She told the people that she was married to the country first and foremost not to a husband.
During her reign Elizabeth was known by many different names: The virgin quees, Gloriana, The Faerie Queen, and the Good queen Bess
Elizabeth lived until she was approximately 70 years old of bood poisoning. She never had any children and therefore the crown was passed onto another branch of the family tree.
Elizabeth had 2 other siblings, both of which were in line for the throne before her. She had her half-brother Edward and her half-sister Mary. When their father died, edward took the throne at the ripe old age od 10 years old, becoming Edward VI of England. After edwards death in 1553, Mary Tudor took the throne and made catholicism the religion of england. For protection and to send a message Mary locked her half-sister in the tower of london for several months.
In 1558, after the death of Queen Mary, Elizabeth finally acended to the throne. She ruled for a total of 45 years, in which time she developed england as a much more stable culture by making religous compromises in order to apease both sides Elizabeth was the 5th and Final ruler of england in the Tudor Dynasty. Her reign is considered by many to be the Golden Age of england.
Her personality fit very well into her tudor heritage, also she generally had a calm demeanor she also had a violent temper that was well known throughout england. Much of this anger was put towards her cousin Mary Queen of scots who was believed to have been plotting against elizabeth and the protestand crown of england. Interestingly enough the two never met face to face, only through long distance correspondance. Elizabeth was well known for her prejudice towards Jewish people and the Catholics.
The period of her reign is often referred to as the elizabethan age, and is considered to be one of the most enlightening times in art, history and philosophy that england has ever seen. She passionate of the arts and had many hobbies including music, painting and writing. In fact she corresponded frequently with famous playwrights and poets of that era. She was very fond of fashion and would dress up very extravagantly to go out in the public eye.
Although known as the virgin queen because she never married, Elizabeth the first was rumoured to have had affairs with several prominent men. This list included Robert Dudley, one of her coutiers and Sir Walter Raliegh, a very influential poet of that period. She used her unmarried status as a political bargaining tool on many occasions. She told the people that she was married to the country first and foremost not to a husband.
During her reign Elizabeth was known by many different names: The virgin quees, Gloriana, The Faerie Queen, and the Good queen Bess
Elizabeth lived until she was approximately 70 years old of bood poisoning. She never had any children and therefore the crown was passed onto another branch of the family tree.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Martin Luther
No I do not mean Dr. Martin Luther King. The individual I am speaking of today lived several centuries previous to the fight for equality rights in the United states. Martin Luther was one of the most prominent figures in the Lutheran reformation of the fourteenth Century.
Luther was a theologian that studied philosophy at the University of Efurt. In his early life he had dedicated himself to a monastic life as an augustinian Monk. He studied the scriptures in depth and became very familiar with the writings of the bible. During this time he was chosen to make a trip to Rome to represent his church. While on this trip Luther was appalled by the posessions, behaiviour and and ignorance that he observed in the Roman priests.
In 1517 Luther created a document that protested the indulgent practices of the Catholic church. Indulgences were something that nobility could purchase for a fee and in return recieve a complete remission of sins. This document later became known as the 95 Theses. Martin Luther posted his Theses on the door of the Castle Church at wittenberg. Due to its popularity among the laity, this particular document was copied and distributed throughout Europe.
This act of defiance was obviously a very powerful threat to the power and status of the church at that time. At first the pope simply dismissed Luther as " a drunken German" who " when sober will change his mind." However as Luther's ideas spread and gained popularity the church was forced to take more direct and extreme measures to ensure that they could retain their position within society.
In 1520, Pope Leo X threatened Luther with excommunication unless he would publically withdraw much of his work, including the extremely controversial 95 Theses within 60 days. However Luther refused to recant his writings and therefore was excommunicated from the Catholic church in January of 1521.
In May of that year the Edict of Worms was released with proclaimed Luther as an outlaw, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. It was also illegal for anyone in Germany to provide Luther with food or water. In addition to prohibiting providing any type of support to Luther, the edict also stated that anyone could kill Luther without having to face legal consequences.
While in exile as a fugitive Luther fled to the Wartburg Castle and lived as if he were a knight named Sir Junkar Jorg
The Peasants war was in many ways a direct response to Luther's writings. Although initially behind the revolt, Luther later publically denounced the rebels and the attrocities that they commited during their rebellion. He published to works against their actions: Against the Murderous and Theiving Hordes of Peasants. Once they realized that they no longer had the support of Martin Luther many of the revolutionaries withdrew from the rebellion.
Luther is remembered today as one of the most influential church reformers of medieval Europe. His ideas were widespread and continue to be taught to those of the Lutheran faith.
Luther was a theologian that studied philosophy at the University of Efurt. In his early life he had dedicated himself to a monastic life as an augustinian Monk. He studied the scriptures in depth and became very familiar with the writings of the bible. During this time he was chosen to make a trip to Rome to represent his church. While on this trip Luther was appalled by the posessions, behaiviour and and ignorance that he observed in the Roman priests.
In 1517 Luther created a document that protested the indulgent practices of the Catholic church. Indulgences were something that nobility could purchase for a fee and in return recieve a complete remission of sins. This document later became known as the 95 Theses. Martin Luther posted his Theses on the door of the Castle Church at wittenberg. Due to its popularity among the laity, this particular document was copied and distributed throughout Europe.
This act of defiance was obviously a very powerful threat to the power and status of the church at that time. At first the pope simply dismissed Luther as " a drunken German" who " when sober will change his mind." However as Luther's ideas spread and gained popularity the church was forced to take more direct and extreme measures to ensure that they could retain their position within society.
In 1520, Pope Leo X threatened Luther with excommunication unless he would publically withdraw much of his work, including the extremely controversial 95 Theses within 60 days. However Luther refused to recant his writings and therefore was excommunicated from the Catholic church in January of 1521.
In May of that year the Edict of Worms was released with proclaimed Luther as an outlaw, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. It was also illegal for anyone in Germany to provide Luther with food or water. In addition to prohibiting providing any type of support to Luther, the edict also stated that anyone could kill Luther without having to face legal consequences.
While in exile as a fugitive Luther fled to the Wartburg Castle and lived as if he were a knight named Sir Junkar Jorg
The Peasants war was in many ways a direct response to Luther's writings. Although initially behind the revolt, Luther later publically denounced the rebels and the attrocities that they commited during their rebellion. He published to works against their actions: Against the Murderous and Theiving Hordes of Peasants. Once they realized that they no longer had the support of Martin Luther many of the revolutionaries withdrew from the rebellion.
Luther is remembered today as one of the most influential church reformers of medieval Europe. His ideas were widespread and continue to be taught to those of the Lutheran faith.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Tutankhamun- the boy king
For anyone who has read my previous posts I am sure you have picked up on a trend. I have written quite a bit about ancient Egypt. This is because since I was little that area of history has always intrigued me. Something that I have recently become aware of is that starting on May 24th through January of next year, the National Geographic tutankhamun Treasure exhibit is going to be in Seattle. I personally have been waiting to see this particular exihibit for several years now. So therefore This time I chose to do a blog entry on him.
When Tutankhamun was actually born as Tutankhaten, but due to a declining support of the sun disk god aten, he changed his name to that of the old god Amun. Tut's mother was the infamous Nefertiti, his father was the Heterical king Akhenaten.
He was married only once to his half sister, but unfourtunately that marriage did not produce any living children, only 2 stillborn daughters. Their tiny coffins were found in the tomb with the pharoah.
Although today Tutankhamun is one of the most well known pharoahs of all time, his reign was almost obliterated out of the history shortly after his death. His successor Hor
emheb replaced Tut's name with his own on many monuments.
Tut became king at the age of nine years old, and died at the age of 18. Because he ascended to the throne at such a young age it is very unlikely that he made very many decisions in regards to ruling egypt. These decisions would probably have been made by his top advisors. Due to this very sort life and unexpected death, he was buried hastily in his tomb 70 days after his death.
Although he may not have engaged in many military battles directly, he was trained as a archer. Tut's tomb was filled with some evidence of his hunts. His reign was a very turbulent time in Ancient Egyptian History. It was filled with religious strife against the Aten and towards the more traditional egyptian dieties.
On November 4th 1922, Archaeologist Howard Carter made what is arguably the single most important discovery in the Valley of the Kings at tomb KV62. Tutankhamun's tomb was full of beautiful artifacts that had not been touched in 3000 years. Around 3000 treasures were found within the tomb including many items that would have been made in order to help the Pharoah in the afterlife. It is believed that many other tombs would have contained similar treasures but were probably sacked by grave robbers. His sarcophagus still remains inside the tomb even today.
There is a Curse that is associated with the tomb. On the incriptions that were found it, it states that anyone that disturbs the king's final resting place would suffer and die. This curse was populaized after several members of the team involved in the initial discovery died prematuraly.
For anybody who has been watching TLC lately, they are currently broadcasting some of the newer finds in the Valley of the Kings. Namely, a tomb approximately 45 meters away from Tut's tomb. There is a potential to find out more about Tutankhamun and the Ancient egyptian customs, beliefs and way of life.
When Tutankhamun was actually born as Tutankhaten, but due to a declining support of the sun disk god aten, he changed his name to that of the old god Amun. Tut's mother was the infamous Nefertiti, his father was the Heterical king Akhenaten.
He was married only once to his half sister, but unfourtunately that marriage did not produce any living children, only 2 stillborn daughters. Their tiny coffins were found in the tomb with the pharoah.
Although today Tutankhamun is one of the most well known pharoahs of all time, his reign was almost obliterated out of the history shortly after his death. His successor Hor
emheb replaced Tut's name with his own on many monuments.
Tut became king at the age of nine years old, and died at the age of 18. Because he ascended to the throne at such a young age it is very unlikely that he made very many decisions in regards to ruling egypt. These decisions would probably have been made by his top advisors. Due to this very sort life and unexpected death, he was buried hastily in his tomb 70 days after his death.
Although he may not have engaged in many military battles directly, he was trained as a archer. Tut's tomb was filled with some evidence of his hunts. His reign was a very turbulent time in Ancient Egyptian History. It was filled with religious strife against the Aten and towards the more traditional egyptian dieties.
On November 4th 1922, Archaeologist Howard Carter made what is arguably the single most important discovery in the Valley of the Kings at tomb KV62. Tutankhamun's tomb was full of beautiful artifacts that had not been touched in 3000 years. Around 3000 treasures were found within the tomb including many items that would have been made in order to help the Pharoah in the afterlife. It is believed that many other tombs would have contained similar treasures but were probably sacked by grave robbers. His sarcophagus still remains inside the tomb even today.
There is a Curse that is associated with the tomb. On the incriptions that were found it, it states that anyone that disturbs the king's final resting place would suffer and die. This curse was populaized after several members of the team involved in the initial discovery died prematuraly.
For anybody who has been watching TLC lately, they are currently broadcasting some of the newer finds in the Valley of the Kings. Namely, a tomb approximately 45 meters away from Tut's tomb. There is a potential to find out more about Tutankhamun and the Ancient egyptian customs, beliefs and way of life.
Monday, 12 March 2012
Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci was the true definition of a renaissance man, his love for knowledge, art and science defined his as a revolutionary thinker who is responsible for some of the inventions that we enjoy today. Da Vinci, is a man that seemed to have been good at everything he did, not only was he a masterful painter, but he also was inolved in numerous things throughout his lifetime.
Da Vinci started out as a painter in the city of Florence, a son born out of wedlock to a poor peasant women. Which turned out to be beneficial for him, if he had been a ligitimate child he would have gone through with the occupation of his father and never become the artist he did.He spent most of his early years being educated under the painter Verrocchio. At the age of 20 he was given the title as a master in the guild of st. Luke. He was one of the first Italian painters to use oil paints instead of egg tempura.
Although they were both in the same profession, Michalangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci were not close friends as one would expect.They were very bitter rivals. So much so that they often would insult each other in public.
Da Vinci is believed to have been an extreme perfectionist, so much so that the lips on his most famous painting, the mona lisa, took him approximately 10 years to complete. It is also said that he destroyed many of his works before they could be viewed by anyone else.
But Leonardo's interested spread far beyond just that of painting and art. He was also very interested in science and machinery. In fact Leonardo Da Vinci is responsible for designing many things including:
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo Da Vinci
For most of his life Da Vinci was obsessed with birds and the idea of flight, that is probably why many of his sketches involve the idea of man being able to fly. Because paper was so expensive during his lifetime Da Vinci was very careful with how he used his paper and made sure not to waste any by ensuring that all possible space was used before moving on to the next piece. In all of his notebooks Da Vinci used what is called mirror writing, this is believed to have been an attempt to keep his notes secret.
Da Vinci was also very interested in the study of human anatomy and is believed to have dug out several graves in order to further his studies and knowledge of our inner workings. He also studied many animal remains. From this he work he creates sketches like the Vitruvian man.
Some of the personal choices that Da Vinci made during his lifetime also make him distinct from his contemporaries. Da Vinci was a humanitarian and therefore chose to become a vegetarian . This may have in part because of his work studying how the body worked In addition to being a vegetarian da vinci also chose to never marry or have children. Some scholars believe this is because he was gay.
Although many of us don't realize it, Leonardo Da Vinci has had a very big impact on how we live today. His inventions, notes and artwork were revolutionary for the time, and continue to amaze us in the 21st Century.
Da Vinci started out as a painter in the city of Florence, a son born out of wedlock to a poor peasant women. Which turned out to be beneficial for him, if he had been a ligitimate child he would have gone through with the occupation of his father and never become the artist he did.He spent most of his early years being educated under the painter Verrocchio. At the age of 20 he was given the title as a master in the guild of st. Luke. He was one of the first Italian painters to use oil paints instead of egg tempura.
Although they were both in the same profession, Michalangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci were not close friends as one would expect.They were very bitter rivals. So much so that they often would insult each other in public.
Da Vinci is believed to have been an extreme perfectionist, so much so that the lips on his most famous painting, the mona lisa, took him approximately 10 years to complete. It is also said that he destroyed many of his works before they could be viewed by anyone else.
But Leonardo's interested spread far beyond just that of painting and art. He was also very interested in science and machinery. In fact Leonardo Da Vinci is responsible for designing many things including:
- The first Machine Gun
- The Parachute
- Several engineering projects such as bridges and canals.
- Gliders
- Other flying machines
- cannon
- Armored vehicles
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo Da Vinci
For most of his life Da Vinci was obsessed with birds and the idea of flight, that is probably why many of his sketches involve the idea of man being able to fly. Because paper was so expensive during his lifetime Da Vinci was very careful with how he used his paper and made sure not to waste any by ensuring that all possible space was used before moving on to the next piece. In all of his notebooks Da Vinci used what is called mirror writing, this is believed to have been an attempt to keep his notes secret.
Da Vinci was also very interested in the study of human anatomy and is believed to have dug out several graves in order to further his studies and knowledge of our inner workings. He also studied many animal remains. From this he work he creates sketches like the Vitruvian man.
Some of the personal choices that Da Vinci made during his lifetime also make him distinct from his contemporaries. Da Vinci was a humanitarian and therefore chose to become a vegetarian . This may have in part because of his work studying how the body worked In addition to being a vegetarian da vinci also chose to never marry or have children. Some scholars believe this is because he was gay.
Although many of us don't realize it, Leonardo Da Vinci has had a very big impact on how we live today. His inventions, notes and artwork were revolutionary for the time, and continue to amaze us in the 21st Century.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Ramses II ( The Great)
Ramses II is remembered today as one of the greatest, if not the greatest builder in all of ancient egypt. His major projects included the town site of Pi Ramses and his extravagant tomb at Abu Simbel. He also enjoyed restoring older complexes. These projects were a way of highlighting his power and to ensure that he would leave a legacy long after he died.
Besides being a sucessful constructor, Ramses is also famed for his numerous military victories. He
led sucessful campaigns against the Hittites, Libya, and Nubia. Ramses signed the earliest peace treaty that has ever been found. However his reign was plagued with many periods of political unrest.
Ramses is believed to have fathered at least 100 children during his exeptionarily long life.He reigned for an astonishing 66 years, and is believed to have lived to at least his 90th year. During this period the average person lived for approximately 40 years. Because Ramses lived so long his son was sixty years old before he ascended to the throne. His successor was Merneptah, he was Ramses thirteenth son. All of his elder brothers had already died.
Ramses' chief and most famous wife was Nerfertari, who died 54 years before he met his demise. In the custom of egyptian pharoahs, she was not however his only wife. It is believed that he had at least 12 wives. His other prominent wives were Maathorneferure and Isetnofret.
Once Ramses had reigned over egypt for 30 years he was inducted into a special group made up of the kings who had lived the longest in the history of Egypt. During this induction a celebration was held, called the Sed Festival. The festival is linked to the transformation of the king into a god.
It is believed that it is Ramses II that is the pharoah described in the Bible in the story of Moses, but this claim is not subsantiated. Due to his life and reign he left a significant legacy behind him. So much so that at least 9 pharoahs were named after him.
During his long life Ramses is said to have suffered from Arthritis and arterial issues. They may have been the causes of his eventual death. His mummy was not actually found in an elaborate tomb as one would have imagined. It was actually found with a cache of other royal mummies in a cave. The mummy was probably brought there to protect it from the damage that grave robbers would have inflicted upon it.
Besides being a sucessful constructor, Ramses is also famed for his numerous military victories. He
led sucessful campaigns against the Hittites, Libya, and Nubia. Ramses signed the earliest peace treaty that has ever been found. However his reign was plagued with many periods of political unrest.
Ramses is believed to have fathered at least 100 children during his exeptionarily long life.He reigned for an astonishing 66 years, and is believed to have lived to at least his 90th year. During this period the average person lived for approximately 40 years. Because Ramses lived so long his son was sixty years old before he ascended to the throne. His successor was Merneptah, he was Ramses thirteenth son. All of his elder brothers had already died.
Ramses' chief and most famous wife was Nerfertari, who died 54 years before he met his demise. In the custom of egyptian pharoahs, she was not however his only wife. It is believed that he had at least 12 wives. His other prominent wives were Maathorneferure and Isetnofret.
Once Ramses had reigned over egypt for 30 years he was inducted into a special group made up of the kings who had lived the longest in the history of Egypt. During this induction a celebration was held, called the Sed Festival. The festival is linked to the transformation of the king into a god.
It is believed that it is Ramses II that is the pharoah described in the Bible in the story of Moses, but this claim is not subsantiated. Due to his life and reign he left a significant legacy behind him. So much so that at least 9 pharoahs were named after him.
During his long life Ramses is said to have suffered from Arthritis and arterial issues. They may have been the causes of his eventual death. His mummy was not actually found in an elaborate tomb as one would have imagined. It was actually found with a cache of other royal mummies in a cave. The mummy was probably brought there to protect it from the damage that grave robbers would have inflicted upon it.
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