Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Ramses II: A pharaoh (king) of ancient Egypt who reigned from approximately 1279 BC to 1213 BC (often cited as 1304–1237 BC in some historical chronologies). He is renowned for his extensive building programs, military campaigns, and is often considered one of Egypt's most powerful and celebrated rulers.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The colossal statues at Abu Simbel were built by Ramses II.
  • Historians study the reign of Ramses II to understand the New Kingdom period of Egypt.
  • Ramses II is also known as Ramesses the Great.

Advanced Usage

• "the era of Ramses II": Refers to the historical period characterized by his rule.

  • The peace treaty with the Hittites was a significant diplomatic achievement of the era of Ramses II.

• "a Ramses II monument": Describes any structure commissioned or built during his reign.

  • We visited a Ramses II monument in Luxor.

Variants and Related Words

• Ramesses II: An alternative spelling of the same pharaoh's name.
• Ozymandias: The Greek name for Ramses II, famously used in Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem.
• Pharaoh: The title for ancient Egyptian kings, of which Ramses II was one.
• New Kingdom: The historical period of Egyptian history during which Ramses II ruled.

Synonyms

• Ramesses the Great: An epithet emphasizing his significant reign.
• The Great Pharaoh: A general descriptive term, though not a unique synonym.

Related Phrases

• "the legacy of Ramses II": Referring to the long-lasting impact of his rule, particularly his architectural works.

  • The legacy of Ramses II is visible in temples across Egypt.

• "to rival Ramses II": Used figuratively to describe someone with immense ambition, particularly in construction or legacy-building.

  • The developer's plans for the city seemed to rival Ramses II.

Related Idioms

• "As enduring as a statue of Ramses II": An idiom highlighting something built to last for an extremely long time.
  • Their friendship was as enduring as a statue of Ramses II.

Noun

1. king of Egypt between 1304 and 1237 BC who built many monuments