Examines the life and times of the man who ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 B.C., in the period when that kingdom was at its most powerful, and who built more monuments throughout Egypt than any other pharaoh.

Discusses the reign of Akhenaten, his religious revolution and his successor, Tutankhamen.

The name Ramses II evokes the epitome of ancient Egypt. But why was he the final ruler of the New Kingdom? And what was it that made him pursue peace when such treaties didn't exist? The life of Ramses II offers some particularly unique intrigues that appear in his many campaigns throughout the ancient world. Santillian and van Basten offer an expansive account of the many contributions Ramses II offered in his unusually long and active life, including...