Drama on the Nile: This ancient Egyptian family power struggle makes “Succession” look tame in comparison

Ramesses II was one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs who ruled for several decades from about 1279 to 1213 BC. Astonishingly for that period in history he lived to around the age of 90, out living many of his heirs.

That became a problem because he had over 100 of them. While the succession of 13th oldest son to the throne went smoothly as best we know, rivalries were already brewing and would boil over eventually, bringing an end to the 19th dynasty.

Who was Ramesses II?

Also known as Ramses the Great, he was the son of Seti I and began his rule with a series of successful military campaigns to reclaim territories that had once been under Egyptian control in the past and secure the kingdom’s borders. But he was also known for his diplomatic skills, eventually making peace with the Hittites, a kingdom based in what is today Turkey, a formidable regional rival.

Ramesses II was additionally known for his massive building program that led to the construction of monumental structures, numerous statues bearing his likeness and temples. He also had the city of Pi-Ramesses built in the eastern Nile delta to serve as his capital to rule over Egypt.

He had numerous wives and concubines who gave him over 100 children. These offspring were given important roles within the hierarchy of the kingdom to help consolidate power. However, the sheer number worked against that effort as they formed alliances and rivalries developed.

The collapse of a dynasty after the grandest reign

Upon the death of Ramesses II, his thirteenth oldest son Merneptah succeeded him. It appears that there wasn’t strife among the siblings as he was the designated heir to the throne.

He was already in his sixties when he became pharaoh and he ruled for a decade. When he died his son Seti II ascended to the throne. Shortly into his reign he had to deal with the usurper Amenmesse, who could’ve been a brother, half-brother or perhaps one of Ramesses II’s many children. He took control of Upper Egypt for a few years before Seti II defeated him.

Seti II was succeeded by Siptah who wasn’t his son. It’s believed that he could’ve been a half-brother. He was just a child when he ascended to the throne and Tausret, thought to be the second royal wife of Seti II, was appointed first regent.

However, Siptah died roughly six years into his reign. Upon his death Tausret proclaimed herself pharaoh. Her time on the throne was a brief two-year period which ended in a civil war and the end of the 19th dynasty.

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