Ramesses II was the 3rd ruler of the 19th Dynasty, and is regarded as one of the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom: the most powerful period of ancient Egypt.

This antique hand-painted brass statue (1800s-1920s) was purchased in Athens, Greece, at an antique market. The base is a more modern, gold-painted marble.

Ramesses II ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BC, ascending the throne on May 31, 1279 BC, as his known accession date of III Season of the Harvest, day 27. Estimates of his age at death vary; but 90 or 91 is considered most likely. Ramesses II celebrated an unprecedented 14 Sed festivals (the first held after 30 years of a pharaoh's reign, and then, every three years) during his reign—more than any other pharaoh. Upon his death, Ramesses II was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The Pharaoh's body was later moved to a royal cache, rediscovered in 1881, and is now on display in the Cairo Museum.