{"product_id":"ramesses-the-great-egypts-king-of-kings-9780300256659","title":"Ramesses the Great: Egypt's King of Kings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eRamesses the Great was a pharaoh who ruled the Nile Valley and Egyptian empire from 1279 to 1213 B.C., known for his long reign, cultural innovations, and diplomatic skills. He is considered one of the most powerful pharaohs and his rule coincided with the peak of ancient Egypt's power and prosperity. Toby Wilkinson's biography offers insights into his life, reign, and legacy, with lessons for the present. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 240 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 02 May 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Yale University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRamesses II, a pharaoh who reigned over the Nile Valley and the vast Egyptian empire from 1279 to 1213 B.C., holds one of the longest reigns in pharaonic history. He was a cultural innovator, a relentless self-promoter, and an astute diplomat. The peace treaty signed after the Battle of Kadesh was the first in recorded history. Ramesses II surpassed all other Egyptian pharaohs in terms of reputation, being described as a despot in the Bible, celebrated in literature as Ozymandias, and admired by early antiquarians as the Younger Memnon. His rule coincided with the apex of ancient Egypt's power and prosperity, known as the New Kingdom (1539–1069 B.C.).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this comprehensive biography, Toby Wilkinson delves into Ramesses II's preoccupations and preferences, shedding light on the methods and motivations of a megalomaniac ruler. The book offers valuable insights into the past, with lessons that can be applied to our contemporary world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRamesses II's reign was marked by significant achievements and advancements. He oversaw the construction of numerous temples, including the iconic Abu Simbel and Karnak hypostyle halls. He also built the tomb for his wife, Nefertari, which is considered one of the most magnificent in ancient Egypt. Ramesses II left behind a lasting legacy, with his memorial, the Ramesseum, serving as a testament to his greatness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite his achievements, Ramesses II's rule was not without controversy. He was known for his aggressive expansionism, which led to conflicts with neighboring regions. He also engaged in human rights abuses, including the enslavement of people from other countries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToby Wilkinson's biography provides a balanced and nuanced account of Ramesses II's life, reign, and legacy. The author succeeds in bringing this distant age to life through telling detail and insightful analysis. Wilkinson takes advantage of opportunities to peer beneath the mask, providing a deeper understanding of the pharaoh and his times.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book offers valuable lessons for the present, reminding us of the importance of cultural innovation, self-promotion, and diplomacy. Ramesses II's example of building temples and monuments showcases his commitment to his people and his desire to leave a lasting legacy. However, his aggressive expansionism and human rights abuses serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the potential consequences of unchecked power and the importance of ethical governance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Toby Wilkinson's biography of Ramesses II is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Egypt, history, or governance. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the pharaoh's life, reign, and legacy, offering valuable lessons for the present. Ramesses II's story continues to inspire and intrigue us, and Wilkinson's work helps us to better understand this remarkable figure and his impact on the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 216 x 140 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780300256659\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toby Wilkinson","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44235804737786,"sku":"9780300256659","price":18.08,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1683901308642_book.jpg?v=1684161369","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/ramesses-the-great-egypts-king-of-kings-9780300256659","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}