What Was the Cause of Death for Ramses II

Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, is undoubtedly one of ancient Egypt’s most renowned pharaohs. He ruled for an impressive 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, and left behind a legacy of lavish temples, statues, and military campaigns. But what exactly caused the death of this powerful ruler?

To unravel the mystery of Ramses II’s cause of death, we must rely on a combination of historical records, scientific analysis, and archaeological findings. While the exact cause of his demise remains uncertain, multiple theories have been put forward over the years.

One hypothesis suggests that Ramses II succumbed to old age, as he lived an extraordinarily long life by ancient standards. His mummified remains reveal signs of arthritis and atherosclerosis, which could have contributed to his deteriorating health. These age-related conditions, combined with the strain of ruling for several decades, might have ultimately weakened his body and played a role in his passing.

Another theory revolves around an infection. The pharaoh suffered from severe dental issues, with numerous abscesses discovered during post-mortem examinations. Dental abscesses, if left untreated, can lead to more serious infections that could have potentially spread to other parts of Ramses II’s body. Infections can be life-threatening, especially in a time when effective antibiotics were nonexistent.

Furthermore, Ramses II’s records indicate that he engaged in numerous military campaigns throughout his reign. It is possible that he contracted an infectious disease during his conquests, as soldiers are often exposed to unsanitary conditions and diseases while on extended campaigns. These diseases, if left untreated, can have fatal consequences, contributing to his untimely demise.

While both old age and infection theories offer plausible explanations, an intriguing discovery in the late 19th century shed light on another potential cause of Ramses II’s death. In 1881, the pharaoh’s mummy was relocated from the tomb it had occupied for thousands of years and transported to Cairo. During this process, his mummy was exposed to extreme heat, which caused the body to decompose rapidly. The embalming techniques used during Ramses II’s time were not prepared for such conditions, unintentionally accelerating the decomposition process. Consequently, some researchers argue that the combined effects of the heat exposure and the embalming process might have contributed to Ramses II’s cause of death.

Despite the abundance of theories, research, and scientific analyses, we cannot definitively determine the cause of Ramses II’s death. Ancient medical knowledge and practices, as well as the limitations of modern scientific techniques, prevent us from reaching a conclusive answer. Hence, the true cause of Ramses II’s demise shall probably remain an enigma.

Nevertheless, Ramses II’s legacy continues to captivate the world. His accomplishments during his long reign, including numerous monumental constructions and military victories, ensure that his name will forever be etched in the annals of history. By studying his life and seeking to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death, we come to appreciate the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated pharaoh.