How Many Wives Did Ramses II Have?

Discover the intriguing history of Ramses II and learn about the number of wives he had. Explore the life of this legendary pharaoh through this comprehensive article.

Who is Ramses II?

Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 19th dynasty of Egypt's New Kingdom period. He is one of Egypt's most famous and celebrated pharaohs, known for his long reign and significant achievements.

Ramses II was born around 1303 BC and ascended to the throne as a young man, possibly in his late teens or early twenties. His reign, which lasted for an astonishing 66 years (1279 BC to 1213 BC), is one of the longest in ancient Egyptian history. During his rule, Egypt experienced a period of stability, prosperity, and expansion.

One of the most iconic events associated with Ramses II is the Battle of Kadesh, a military campaign against the Hittite Empire. While the battle ended inconclusively, Ramses II skillfully used it as propaganda to portray himself as a victorious warrior-king.

Ramses II was a prolific builder and is responsible for numerous grand construction projects throughout Egypt. Perhaps his most famous undertaking is the construction of the Abu Simbel temples, carved into the rock cliffs of Nubia. These temples were dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to Ramses himself.

He also initiated the construction of the Ramesseum, his mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile, and the city of Pi-Ramesses in the Nile Delta. His reign saw the continuation of the construction of many other temples and monuments, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Ramses II is often associated with his many wives and children, contributing to the continuity of the royal bloodline. His primary wife was Nefertari, but he had several wives and numerous offspring.

After his death, Ramses II was interred in the Valley of the Kings in a grand tomb. Over time, his mummy was relocated to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Marriages & Wives of Ramses II

Ramses II is believed to have had eight wives, including two principal wives and six secondary wives. His two principal wives were Nefertari and Isetnofret. His secondary wives included Maathorneferure, Meritamen, Bintanath, Nebettawy, Henutmire, and Meritamen II.

Ramses II's marriages were often politically motivated, as they helped to strengthen his alliances with other powerful families and kingdoms. For example, he married two Hittite princesses after signing a peace treaty with the Hittites in 1258 BCE.

Ramses II was a very fertile man, and he fathered over 100 children with his wives and concubines. His most famous son was Crown Prince Merenptah, who succeeded him as pharaoh.

1. Nefertari:

Nefertari was perhaps the most famous and beloved of Ramses II's wives. She held the title of "Great Royal Wife" and was highly regarded during her time. Nefertari was known for her beauty and played a significant role in the court, with temples dedicated to her. Her relationship with Ramses II was marked by love and mutual respect.

2.Isetnofret:

Isetnofret was another prominent wife of Ramses II and held the title of "Great Royal Wife" alongside Nefertari. While she may not have been as celebrated as Nefertari, her role in the royal court was crucial. It was not uncommon in ancient Egypt for pharaohs to have multiple queens, often serving political purposes.

3. Henutmire:

Henutmire is known to be one of Ramses II's daughters, but there is some evidence to suggest that she may have held the title of "Great Royal Wife" as well. The role of daughters in marriages with their fathers was a dynastic practice in ancient Egypt.

4. Meritamen:

Meritamen was the daughter of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Her marriage to her own father was a customary practice in ancient Egypt, aimed at maintaining the royal bloodline and ensuring the dynasty's continuity.

5. Bintanath:

Bintanath was one of Ramses II's wives, and she was a foreign princess. Marriages with foreign royalty were often strategic moves to strengthen diplomatic ties with other nations, demonstrating the political nature of many royal unions.

6. Nebettawy:

Nebettawy was another of Ramses II's daughters, and she may have held a significant role in the royal court. Like her sister Henutmire, her position in the family and court was likely influenced by dynastic considerations.

7. Maathorneferure:

Maathorneferure is believed to have been one of Ramses II's lesser-known wives or concubines. While her historical significance may not be as pronounced as some of the others, she was still part of Ramses II's extended family.

8. Meritamen II:

Meritamen II, not to be confused with Ramses II's daughter Meritamen, is another less-documented wife or concubine of Ramses II. She likely played a role in the royal household, but details about her life and influence remain limited.

Conclusion

Ramses II had several wives during his long and influential reign as pharaoh of Egypt. The exact number remains a subject of debate among historians due to the scarcity of detailed historical records. However, what is clear is that these marriages were not only a reflection of his personal life but also integral to the political and dynastic affairs of ancient Egypt.