Ramses the Great: Egypt's Most Powerful Pharaoh — Fexingo History

In this episode of Ramses the Great, Lucas and Luna explore an often-overlooked piece of Egypt's military might: the royal stables of Per-Ramesses. Drawing on archaeological finds at Qantir and the work of equine historian Dr. Juliet Clutton-Brock, Lucas explains how Ramses bred and trained the horses that pulled his chariots at Kadesh and Dapur. They discuss the origins of the Egyptian horse—likely from the Levant—and the scale of the stables, which could house hundreds of animals. Lucas describes the specialized care given to stallions, the use of grooms and veterinarians, and how horse breeding became a state enterprise. The conversation also touches on the logistics of feeding and watering thousands of horses, the role of the stablemaster, and the symbolic value of the horse as an emblem of royal power. With vivid detail from reliefs at Medinet Habu and the Ramesseum, this episode reveals the unsung infrastructure behind Ramses's chariotry and how mastery of the horse helped sustain Egypt's empire. The episode includes a brief, sincere mention of listener support at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #HorseBreeding #ChariotWarfare #PerRamesses #Qantir #Kadesh #MedinetHabu #Ramesseum #EgyptianHorses #JulietCluttonBrock #Stablemaster #Veterinarian #Lydia #NorthAfrica #MilitaryHistory #AnimalHistory #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

We explore the founding, layout, and daily life of Per-Ramesses, the magnificent city Ramses II built as his northern capital. Learn how the city's location near the Nile's Pelusiac branch gave it strategic and economic advantages, how its temples celebrated the gods Amun, Ra, and Seth, and how its massive warehouses and workshops supplied Egypt's army and trade networks. Discover the role of foreign recruits from Canaan and the Sea Peoples in the city's garrison, and the evidence from the 1887 discovery of the city's remains at Qantir. This episode offers a vivid picture of a royal city that was both a political statement and a living metropolis. #PerRamesses #RamsesII #AncientEgypt #Qantir #PelusiacBranch #AmunRa #Seth #NileDelta #EgyptianCapital #19thDynasty #Egyptology #Archaeology #CityPlanning #NewKingdom #AncientHistory #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore one of Ramses the Great's lesser-known but fiercely fought campaigns: the siege of Dapur in Syria. While the Battle of Kadesh dominates the popular imagination, Dapur was a crucial stronghold that Ramses personally captured, as recorded in vivid reliefs at the Ramesseum and Luxor Temple. We examine the tactics of Egyptian siege warfare—scaling ladders, battering rams, and archers covering infantry—and how Ramses used these victories to project power into Hittite territory. We also discuss the enigmatic 'Dapur People' and the geographical debate over whether Dapur was in Syria or Lebanon. Along the way, we touch on the logistics of campaign, the role of the army divisions named after gods like Amun and Ptah, and how Ramses's propaganda machine turned a tough siege into a symbol of divine favor. Fresh material that builds on prior episodes about Kadesh and Egyptian military organization. #RamsesTheGreat #BattleOfDapur #SiegeWarfare #EgyptianMilitary #Ramesseum #LuxorTemple #AncientWarfare #Syria #Hittite #NewKingdom #Kemet #DivineKingship #Propaganda #Archaeology #MilitaryHistory #AncientEgypt #NorthAfrica #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 160, Lucas and Luna examine the extraordinary story of Ramses the Great's mummy — from its discovery in a hidden cache at Deir el-Bahari in 1881 to the sophisticated embalming techniques that preserved his body for over 3,000 years. They explore the delicate process of mummification in the New Kingdom, the priests' use of resins, linen, and amulets, and the shocking moment in 1974 when the mummy was issued a passport for a trip to Paris to combat a fungal infection. Along the way, they touch on the work of Gaston Maspero, the controversy over the mummy's unwrapping, and what modern CT scans reveal about Ramses' health, including his likely cause of death. This episode offers a vivid, human portrait of the pharaoh's final journey — not to the afterlife, but through the hands of archaeologists, curators, and conservators who preserved his legacy. #RamsesTheGreat #EgyptianMummy #DeirElBahari #Mummification #NewKingdom #GastonMaspero #Egyptology #MummyCache #Pharaoh #Embalming #CTScan #FungalInfection #Paris #Afterlife #AncientEgypt #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 159 of the Ramses the Great series, Lucas and Luna explore the logistical backbone of Ramses II's empire: the supply lines that fed his armies, workers, and cities. Drawing on the Papyrus Anastasi series and records from the fortress of Tjaru on the Way of Horus, they trace how grain, beer, and dried fish moved from the Nile Delta to garrisons in Canaan and Nubia. Lucas explains the role of the 'overseer of the fortress of the Great of Victories' and the system of granaries at Per-Ramesses, while Luna zeroes in on a specific text—Papyrus Anastasi V—which details a commander's complaint about missing supplies. The episode also touches on the logistical differences between the Egyptian and Hittite armies, the use of pack donkeys vs. river barges, and how supply breakdowns may have influenced the outcome of the Battle of Kadesh. A brief donation segment reminds listeners that the show remains ad-free thanks to listener support at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. #RamsesII #AncientEgypt #Logistics #PapyrusAnastasi #WayOfHorus #Tjaru #PerRamesses #Kadesh #Supplies #Granaries #NileDelta #Canaan #Nubia #Donkeys #RiverBarges #Kemet #FexingoHistory #MilitaryHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 158, Lucas and Luna explore the life and legacy of Queen Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Ramses II. They discuss her political influence, her role in the Hittite peace treaty, and her divine status as a living goddess. The conversation delves into her temple at Abu Simbel, dedicated to Hathor, where she appears as tall as the pharaoh—a unique honor. They also examine her tomb in the Valley of the Queens, its exquisite wall paintings, and the mysterious 'she who must not be named' erased from history. Lucas highlights Nefertari's diplomatic correspondence with the Hittite queen Puduhepa and her possible role in the marriage of Ramses to a Hittite princess. The episode touches on her titles, including 'Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt,' and her identification with the goddess Hathor. Listeners learn about the discovery of her tomb in 1904 by Ernesto Schiaparelli and the ongoing conservation efforts by the Getty Conservation Institute. This episode offers a nuanced portrait of a queen who was both a political partner and a divine figure, whose legacy rivals that of her husband. #Nefertari #RamsesII #AbuSimbel #Hathor #ValleyOfTheQueens #Egyptology #AncientEgypt #GreatRoyalWife #Puduhepa #Hittites #PeaceTreaty #ErnestoSchiaparelli #GettyConservation #Pharaoh #Queen #History #FexingoHistory #NorthAfrica Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dive into the life and career of Paser, Ramses the Great's most trusted vizier. Paser served for over 30 years, overseeing the administration of Upper and Lower Egypt, managing the treasury, and supervising monumental building projects including the Ramesseum. Discover how Paser's inscriptions reveal the daily workings of pharaonic bureaucracy, his role in the judiciary, and his relationship with the king. Learn about the vizier's responsibilities, from tax collection to military logistics, and how Paser's tomb in Thebes provides a rare window into the lives of Egypt's elite administrators. This episode explores the complexities of power behind the throne, contrasting Paser's quiet influence with the more visible figures like the royal scribe Amenemope and viceroy Setau. #RamsesII #Paser #Vizier #AncientEgypt #EgyptianBureaucracy #Ramesseum #Thebes #Kemet #PharaonicAdministration #EgyptianHistory #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #NorthAfrica #FexingoHistory #History #AncientWorld #Egyptology #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

This episode of Fexingo History pulls back the curtain on the master builders who turned Ramses the Great's colossal visions into stone. Lucas and Luna explore the careers of two towering figures: the High Steward of Works Penre, who oversaw the construction of Ramses's mortuary temple and the cliffside marvel of Abu Simbel, and the High Priest of Amun Bekenkhons, whose autobiography on a statue at Karnak details his fifty-year rise from stonemason's apprentice to chief designer of the hypostyle hall. We examine the logistics of transporting 200-ton quartzite blocks from Gebel el-Silsila, the brutal life of quarrymen using dolerite hammers, and the precise astronomical alignments that made temples like Abu Simbel function as cosmic mirrors. We also unpack a scholarly debate: were these architects credited with divine inspiration, or did they manage a brutal system of forced labour on an industrial scale? The episode closes with a reflection on how Ramses's monuments outlasted his dynasty, but the names of the men who built them were nearly lost to history. #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #Penre #Bekenkhons #AbuSimbel #GebelElSilsila #Karnak #HypostyleHall #EgyptianArchitecture #Quarrying #Dolerite #ForcedLabour #MonumentBuilding #HighSteward #HighPriestOfAmun #Kemet #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

This episode follows Lucas and Luna as they explore Ramses the Great's monumental obelisks — the towering granite needles he raised at Karnak, Luxor, and beyond. They unpack how these massive monoliths were quarried at Aswan using dolerite hammers, transported on Nile barges, and erected by sheer manpower and ingenuity. The conversation touches on the symbolic meaning of the benben stone and the sun god Re, the logistical challenge of moving a 323-ton block, and the fate of Ramses's obelisks today — including the one now in Paris at the Place de la Concorde and its twin still standing at Luxor Temple. They also discuss the unfinished obelisk at Aswan, which reveals the entire quarrying process, and how Ramses used obelisks as political propaganda, inscribing his names and victories to assert divine kingship. The episode highlights the rivalry with earlier pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, and the later Roman and European relocations that scattered these Egyptian wonders across the globe. #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #Obelisks #Karnak #Luxor #Aswan #Benben #Monolith #Dolerite #UnfinishedObelisk #PlaceDeLaConcorde #Pharaoh #Kemet #NewKingdom #Engineering #Quarrying #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore one of the most ingenious propaganda tools of Ramses the Great's reign: the commemorative scarab beetle. These small stone amulets, inscribed with royal announcements, were mass-produced and distributed across the empire and beyond — from the marshes of the Nile Delta to the palaces of Ugarit. We trace the evolution of the scarab from a simple seal to a sophisticated medium of state messaging, focusing on the famous series from Year 1 and 2 of Ramses's reign that celebrated his first Nubian campaign and the arrival of a rare wild bull. We examine the craftsmanship of the scarab cutters, the hieroglyphic texts that blend historical fact with divine propaganda, and the archaeological detective work that revealed these objects were manufactured in official workshops at Per-Ramesses. Along the way, we touch on the political context of Ramses's early years, the role of the god Khepri, and how these tiny artifacts shaped perceptions of the pharaoh's power for centuries. #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #ScarabBeetle #Khepri #PerRamesses #Nubia #Propaganda #Hieroglyphs #Amulets #NewKingdom #EgyptianArtifacts #FexingoHistory #LucasAndLuna #Ugarit #Kemet #Userrenputaanehktu #Archaeology #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the vast gold mines of Nubia that fueled Ramses the Great's building projects and military campaigns. They discuss the logistical challenges of mining in the Eastern Desert, the use of forced labor and prisoners of war, the role of the Viceroy of Kush and scribes like Amenemope in managing the gold supply, and the religious significance of gold as the flesh of the gods. The conversation touches on specific sites like Gebel el-Silsila and the Wadi Hammamat, the process of extracting and refining gold, and the economic impact of Nubian gold on Egypt's prosperity. They also consider the human cost and the legacy of these mines in later periods. #RamsesTheGreat #NubianGold #AncientEgypt #GoldMines #Kush #ViceroyOfKush #Setau #Amenemope #GebelElSilsila #WadiHammamat #EgyptianEconomy #ForcedLabor #GoldRefining #NewKingdom #NorthAfrica #Egyptology #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 152, Lucas and Luna dive into the military innovation that defined Ramses the Great's reign: the Egyptian war chariot. They explore the engineering behind these lightweight, two-man vehicles, from their spoke wheels and composite bows to the tactical reforms Ramses introduced after Kadesh. The conversation covers the role of the chariotry as a shock weapon, the training of horse teams, and how Egypt's chariot corps evolved under Ramses to become a mobile strike force that secured his empire. Along the way, they touch on the logistical support system, the use of Nubian and Libyan auxiliaries, and the legacy of Ramses's chariotry in later Near Eastern warfare. This episode is a focused look at a specific military technology and its impact on ancient warfare, ideal for listeners who want concrete details about how Ramses fought and won. #RamsesII #EgyptianChariotry #AncientWarfare #Kadesh #MilitaryHistory #BronzeAge #ChariotTactics #Pharaoh #Egyptology #NewKingdom #NorthAfrica #FexingoHistory #WarChariot #CompositeBow #Horses #Cavalry #AncientEgypt #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In the eighth year of his reign, Ramses II faced a threat not from the Hittites but from the sea — a coalition of the enigmatic Sea Peoples. This episode dives into the Battle of the Nile Delta, a naval clash that saved Egypt from invasion. We explore the identity of the Sea Peoples, the Egyptian navy's tactics with ships and archers, the role of the Egyptian army onshore, and how Ramses turned a near-disaster into a propaganda victory carved on temple walls at Medinet Habu and Karnak. What can the inscriptions tell us about the battle's reality versus the pharaoh's spin? And what happened to the captured pirates? Join us for a deep look at one of Ramses' lesser-known but crucial military campaigns — a fight that foreshadowed greater turmoil for later dynasties. #RamsesII #SeaPeoples #NileDelta #Kemet #AncientEgypt #NavalBattle #MedinetHabu #Karnak #EgyptianNavy #Sherden #Pharaoh #MilitaryHistory #BronzeAge #Mediterranean #NorthAfrica #FexingoHistory #History #AncientWarfare Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

We know the grand temples of Ramses II — Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu — but who actually carved the stone? This episode goes to the quarries at Gebel el-Silsila and Aswan, where thousands of stonemasons, draughtsmen, and labourers worked under the scribe Penre. Lucas and Luna discuss the chains of command, the tools (copper chisels, dolerite pounders, wooden levers), the working conditions, and the pay — beer, bread, and sometimes a bonus of oil. They also touch on the strike at Deir el-Medina under Ramses III, and a rare surviving letter from a mason named Bekenkhons. No kings, no gods — just the hands that made the monuments. #RamsesII #GebelElSilsila #AncientEgypt #Stonemasons #EgyptianQuarries #Penre #Bekenkhons #DeirElMedina #AbuSimbel #Ramesseum #MedinetHabu #CopperChisels #DoleritePounders #Kemet #Pharaoh #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the significance of the pschent, the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt that Ramses the Great wore. They discuss the hedjet (white crown of Upper Egypt) and deshret (red crown of Lower Egypt), their origins in the Predynastic period, and how Ramses used the pschent as a symbol of his absolute authority over a unified Kemet. The conversation touches on the earliest artistic depictions of the crowns from the Naqada period, the Narmer Palette, and how Ramses incorporated the double crown into his colossal statues at Abu Simbel and his iconography at Medinet Habu. They also delve into the religious significance of the crowns as embodiments of the goddesses Nekhbet and Wadjet, and how the pschent was ritually placed on the pharaoh's head during coronation. This episode offers a detailed look at one of ancient Egypt's most potent symbols of kingship. #RamsesTheGreat #Pschent #DoubleCrown #UpperEgypt #LowerEgypt #Hedjet #Deshret #Nekhbet #Wadjet #AbuSimbel #MedinetHabu #NarmerPalette #Kemet #AncientEgypt #Pharaoh #EgyptianCrown #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Before there was modern archaeology, there was Prince Khaemwaset, the fourth son of Ramses the Great. Known as the 'First Egyptologist,' Khaemwaset was a high priest of Ptah in Memphis who spent decades restoring and studying the ancient pyramids and tombs of Egypt's Old Kingdom — structures already over a thousand years old in his own time. This episode explores his restoration work at Saqqara, his inscription on the Serapeum, his role in the Heb Sed festival, and his reputation as a magician and scholar in later Egyptian folklore. We also examine how his efforts fit into Ramses II's broader propaganda campaign to legitimize his rule by connecting to the glorious past. Featuring the Apis bull cult, the mastaba of Shepseskaf, and the 'Demotic Chronicle' — this is the story of a prince who dug into history, quite literally, to build a future. #Khaemwaset #FirstEgyptologist #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #Saqqara #Serapeum #ApisBull #Ptah #Memphis #HebSed #Egyptology #OldKingdom #PyramidRestoration #NewKingdom #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #Archaeology Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

After decades of war, Ramses II and Hittite king Hattusili III carved out history's first surviving peace treaty. Written in Akkadian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphs, this silver-tablet agreement ended the conflict over Kadesh, established extradition protocols, and even settled a succession crisis. Lucas and Luna explore the realpolitik behind the treaty—how a famine, a shared enemy (Assyria), and a clever marriage sealed the deal. They also unpack the treaty's discovery in the Hittite capital Hattusa and its eerie echoes in modern diplomacy. A story of empires choosing pragmatism over pride. #RamsesII #HattusiliIII #PeaceTreaty #Kadesh #Hittites #AncientEgypt #BronzeAge #Diplomacy #Akkadian #Cuneiform #Hattusa #Assyria #Puduhepa #Maathorneferure #Kemet #History #FexingoHistory #AncientDiplomacy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 146 of Ramses the Great: Egypt's Most Powerful Pharaoh, hosts Lucas and Luna explore one of the most surprising alliances of the ancient world: the marriage between Ramses II and a Hittite princess after the stalemate at Kadesh. They delve into the diplomatic negotiations that led to the first known peace treaty in history, the exchange of letters between Ramses and Hattusili III, and the journey of the Hittite princess to Egypt. The episode covers the political motivations behind the marriage, the lavish ceremonies at Per-Ramesses, and the blending of cultures that resulted. Lucas explains how Ramses used the marriage as propaganda, covering temples with scenes of the princess arriving and the gods blessing the union. The conversation also touches on the broader context of the Late Bronze Age, the fragility of alliances, and what this marriage reveals about power, gender, and diplomacy in the ancient world. A fresh angle that hasn't been covered in prior episodes, this episode offers a nuanced look at how Ramses turned a military standoff into a personal and political victory. #RamsesII #HittitePrincess #EgyptianHittiteTreaty #PerRamesses #HattusiliIII #Kadesh #DiplomaticMarriage #LateBronzeAge #AncientDiplomacy #RoyalPropaganda #Maathorneferure #AncientMarriage #Egyptology #AmarnaLetters #History #FexingoHistory #NorthAfrica #AncientEgypt Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the role of the Apis bull during the reign of Ramses the Great. They discuss how the living bull at Memphis was considered the ba of Ptah, an oracle, and a symbol of pharaonic power. Lucas explains the elaborate burial of Apis bulls in the Serapeum at Saqqara, a project Ramses likely expanded. The conversation also touches on the bull's connection to the Heb Sed festival, where Ramses ran beside the bull to renew his rule. Finally, they consider the political implications of controlling the bull cult, especially in relation to the priesthood of Ptah and Ramses's need to consolidate power in the north. #ApisBull #RamsesTheGreat #Serapeum #Saqqara #Ptah #HebSed #AncientEgypt #Memphis #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #Ba #Pharaoh #Userrenputaanehktu #Kemet #DivineKingship #EgyptianReligion #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the technological and tactical edge that Ramses II brought to the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE. They examine the evolution of Egyptian chariots from the Hyksos period, the design of light two-man chariots optimized for speed and archery, and the critical role of the Ne'arin mercenaries. The discussion covers the logistics of maintaining a chariot corps, the use of composite bows, and how Ramses' personal account in the Poem of Pentaur both glorifies and obscures the true effectiveness of his chariotry. They also touch on the archaeological evidence from the ancient city of Per-Ramesses, including chariot workshops and horse stables discovered by Manfred Bietak, and how Ramses' chariot force compared to that of the Hittites under Muwatalli II. #RamsesII #BattleOfKadesh #Chariotry #EgyptianMilitary #NewKingdom #PerRamesses #ManfredBietak #CompositeBow #Ne'arin #Hittites #MuwatalliII #Hyksos #PoemOfPentaur #BronzeAge #AncientEgypt #History #FexingoHistory #AncientWarfare Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 143, Lucas and Luna turn to a lesser-known but pivotal conflict of Ramses the Great's reign: the Libyan War. While the Battle of Kadesh often steals the spotlight, the campaigns against the Libyans (the Tjehenu and Tjemehu) were crucial for protecting Egypt's western border and securing its grain supplies. Lucas unpacks the geopolitical pressures of the 19th Dynasty, the archaeological evidence from texts like the Papyrus Harris I and reliefs at Karnak, and the role of Ramses's sons—especially Khaemwaset—in military command. They explore how Ramses handled the threat of nomadic incursions, the use of fortress towns along the western Delta, and the long-term consequences for the region. The episode also touches on the Libyans' eventual integration into Egyptian society, setting the stage for future Libyan rulers like Shoshenq I. A fresh angle on Ramses's military strategy beyond the Hittite peace. #RamsesII #LibyanWar #Tjehenu #Tjemehu #19thDynasty #PapyrusHarrisI #Karnak #Khaemwaset #WesternDelta #LibyanMercenaries #ShoshenqI #BattleOfKadesh #EgyptianMilitary #Fortresses #NorthAfrica #AncientEgypt #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the profound religious and political significance of Ramses II's temples at Abu Simbel, focusing on the biannual solar illumination phenomenon that aligns with his coronation and birthday. They discuss how Ramses used architecture to assert his divine status, aligning himself with Re-Horakhty and Ptah. The conversation delves into the precise engineering of the Great Temple's inner sanctuary, where the sun illuminates statues of Ramses, Amun-Re, and Re-Horakhty twice a year, leaving Ptah in darkness. They also examine the Small Temple dedicated to Nefertari and Hathor, and the broader implications of Ramses's self-deification as a political tool to consolidate power and project eternal rule. The episode provides a fresh angle on Ramses's legacy, focusing on his strategic use of sacred geography and monumental art to craft his own mythology, a practice that influenced subsequent pharaohs and left an enduring mark on Egyptian civilization. #AbuSimbel #RamsesII #SolarAlignment #DivineKingship #Nefertari #Hathor #ReHorakhty #Ptah #AmunRe #Nubia #AncientEgypt #19thDynasty #EgyptianArchitecture #SacredGeography #SelfDeification #History #FexingoHistory #Egyptology Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the rise and fall of Per-Ramesses, Ramses the Great's magnificent capital city. Built on the site of Avaris in the eastern Delta, Per-Ramesses was a sprawling metropolis with canals, temples, and palaces that served as the administrative, military, and religious heart of Egypt for over a century. But within two hundred years, it was largely abandoned. Why? Lucas explains the geological and political factors: the shifting of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, which silted up and left the city high and dry; the rise of Tanis as a new power center during the 21st Dynasty; and the systematic dismantling of Per-Ramesses' monuments by later pharaohs who reused its stone. The episode also touches on the city's rediscovery at Qantir and the detective work by Austrian archaeologist Manfred Bietak. A story of ambition, decline, and the relentless flow of the Nile. #PerRamesses #PiRamesses #Qantir #RamsesII #AncientEgypt #19thDynasty #NileDelta #ManfredBietak #Avaris #Tanis #Egyptology #LostCities #BronzeAge #Archaeology #NewKingdom #Userrenputaanehktu #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In 1274 BCE, Ramses II led his army against the Hittite coalition at Kadesh, a battle he famously claimed as a personal victory carved into temple walls across Egypt. But what really happened? This episode unpacks the largest chariot battle in ancient history, contrasting Ramses's heroic inscriptions with Hittite accounts and modern archaeology. We explore the strategic blunder of divided forces, the near-capture of the pharaoh, the arrival of the Ne'arin relief troops, and the aftermath that led to the world's first recorded peace treaty. Hosts Lucas and Luna examine how Ramses transformed a tactical draw into a propaganda masterpiece, why the battle mattered for Egyptian-Hittite relations, and what the Poem of Pentaur tells us about pharaonic spin. Along the way, they touch on the commanders involved, the weapons and tactics of chariot warfare, and the fragile geopolitics of the Late Bronze Age. #Kadesh #RamsesII #BattleOfKadesh #Hittites #ChariotWarfare #MuwatalliII #DivinePatronage #AmunRe #EgyptianMilitary #PoemOfPentaur #LateBronzeAge #AncientSyria #OrontesRiver #Nearin #Propaganda #FexingoHistory #AncientHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore a little-known crisis of Ramses II's reign: the food riots that broke out in his glittering capital, Per-Ramesses. Despite the pharaoh's grand building projects and military triumphs, grain shortages—exacerbated by low Nile floods and the demands of a vast workforce—sparked protests and even a strike by tomb workers at Deir el-Medina. Lucas walks Luna through the logistics of ancient Egyptian grain storage, the role of the granaries, and the political tightrope Ramses walked between feeding his people and feeding his ambitions. They discuss the Papyrus Salt 124, which records a worker's complaint about stolen rations, and the larger implications of food insecurity in a state that presented itself as divinely ordered. The episode also touches on the limits of pharaonic power and how hunger could shake the throne. #RamsesII #PerRamesses #FoodRiots #DeirElMedina #PiRamesses #AncientEgypt #GrainStorage #PapyrusSalt124 #NileFlood #Strike #TombWorkers #UserrenputAanehktu #Famine #Egyptology #History #FexingoHistory #19thDynasty #Kemet Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore the life and career of Setau, Ramses the Great's most trusted viceroy of Kush. Setau oversaw Nubia for decades, managing the gold mines that funded Ramses' building projects and military campaigns. They discuss Setau's rise from a humble scribe to viceroy, his construction of the temple at Wadi es-Sebua, his role in suppressing a rebellion in Nubia, and how his administrative skill kept the gold flowing to Per-Ramesses. The episode also examines the title 'King's Son of Kush' and the complex relationship between Egypt and its southern territories. Lucas shares details from Setau's inscriptions at the temple of Amun at Gebel el-Silsila and his rock-cut stela at Aswan, painting a portrait of a loyal official who helped sustain the Egyptian empire. #Setau #RamsesII #Nubia #Kush #GoldMines #ViceroyOfKush #KingsSonOfKush #WadiEsSebua #GebelElSilsila #Aswan #PerRamesses #AmunRe #Userrenputaanehktu #19thDynasty #AncientEgypt #EgyptianAdministration #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, we explore the life and role of Amenemope, a royal scribe and steward under Ramses II. While much attention goes to the pharaoh's monuments and battles, the daily administration of Egypt was handled by literate officials who managed correspondence, accounts, and bureaucracy. Amenemope's tomb at Saqqara reveals his titles: 'Royal Scribe of the King's Letters' and 'Overseer of the Double Granary of the Lord of the Two Lands.' We discuss his training at the khemit (scriptorium), his duties in Per-Ramesses and Memphis, and how scribes wielded soft power. We also touch on the famous Papyrus Anastasi I, a satirical letter that gives insight into scribal culture. This episode sheds light on the unsung custodians of Ramses's empire. #AncientEgypt #RamsesII #Amenemope #RoyalScribe #PapyrusAnastasiI #Saqqara #PerRamesses #Memphis #Kemet #19thDynasty #ScribalEducation #Bureaucracy #Egyptology #NorthAfrica #Pharaoh #Hieroglyphs #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the extraordinary afterlife of Ramses II—not in myth, but in the preservation and rediscovery of his actual body. They trace how Egyptian embalmers spent seventy days preparing the pharaoh for eternity, using techniques that would keep his features recognizable for over three thousand years. The conversation follows the mummy's journey from the Valley of the Kings to a secret royal cache at Deir el-Bahari, where priests of the 21st Dynasty reburied him to protect him from tomb robbers. They discuss the moment in 1881 when Egyptologist Émile Brugsch uncovered the cache, and the later decision to send Ramses to Paris in 1976 for conservation—the only time an ancient Egyptian pharaoh has traveled abroad for medical treatment. Along the way they touch on CT scans, pollen analysis, and what Ridley Scott's portrayal got wrong. Along the way, they touch on CT scans, pollen analysis, and what modern science has revealed about the king's age, health, and red hair. This is the story of a pharaoh who really would not die. #RamsesII #Mummy #Egyptology #DeirElBahari #Mummification #CTScan #Paris #Pharaoh #AncientEgypt #Kemet #ValleyOfTheKings #Cache #ÉmileBrugsch #GastonMaspero #RedHair #Artiosclerosis #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Ramses the Great: Egypt's Most Powerful Pharaoh, Lucas and Luna explore the sceptres and regalia that embodied the pharaoh's divine rule. They examine the heka sceptre (the crook) representing kingship and shepherding, the nekhakha flail symbolizing the king's power to provide and punish, and the was sceptre denoting dominion. Lucas explains how these objects were not mere props but were considered living extensions of the royal ka, charged with protective and legitimizing power. The discussion touches on the Heb Sed festival where the sceptres were ritually renewed, the iconography at temples like Karnak and Abu Simbel, and the role of the goddess Weret Hekau ('Great of Magic') who was believed to charge the regalia with divine force. Luna asks about the materials used, and Lucas details the gold, faience, and wood construction, citing examples from Tutankhamun's tomb as parallels. The episode also weaves in the donation segment where Lucas notes that listener support on buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo keeps the show ad-free and independent. #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #Pharaoh #Sceptres #Heka #Nekhakha #WasSceptre #Regalia #Karnak #AbuSimbel #HebSed #WeretHekau #Kemet #DivineAuthority #EgyptianIconography #History #FexingoHistory #NorthAfrica Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the founding and construction of Pi-Ramesses, the magnificent capital built by Ramses II in the eastern Delta. They discuss the city's strategic location, its grandiose temples and palaces, the vast workforce involved, and how it was abandoned and lost for centuries after the 20th Dynasty. The conversation covers the city's rediscovery by modern archaeologists, including the erroneous identification with Tanis, and the eventual correct location at Qantir. Key figures include Ramses II, the architect Penre, and later kings like Smendes. The episode paints a vivid picture of a city that was once the heart of Egypt's empire, now buried under Nile silt. #PiRamesses #RamsesII #AncientEgypt #LostCapital #Qantir #PerRamesses #19thDynasty #EgyptianArchitecture #Delta #Tanis #Penre #Smendes #ThirdIntermediatePeriod #Egyptology #Archaeology #History #FexingoHistory #NorthAfrica Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

While Nefertari is the most famous, Ramses II had many other royal wives who played crucial diplomatic and political roles. This episode explores his marriage to the Hittite princess Maathorneferure, which sealed the peace treaty of Year 21. We also discuss his lesser-known Egyptian wives, such as Isetnofret, mother of Merenptah, and the daughters he married. Learn how Ramses used marriage as a tool of statecraft, forging alliances within Egypt and with foreign powers. We examine the daily life of royal women at Per-Ramesses, their religious duties, and their influence on succession. Discover the story of the Hittite princess's journey to Egypt, the tensions surrounding her arrival, and how she was integrated into the Egyptian court. This episode sheds light on the complex web of relationships that supported Ramses's long reign and the women who helped shape the 19th Dynasty. #RamsesII #Maathorneferure #Isetnofret #AncientEgypt #Kemet #19thDynasty #PerRamesses #HittitePeace #RoyalWives #HattusiliIII #Diplomacy #Pharaoh #WomenInHistory #AncientMarriage #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #Egyptology Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into one of the most audacious propaganda campaigns of the ancient world: Ramses II's claim of divine birth, inscribed on the walls of Luxor Temple. They explore how the king co-opted the ancient 'divine birth' narrative used by Hatshepsut and Amenhotep III, rewriting it to legitimize his rule and connect himself directly to the god Amun-Re. Lucas explains the scene-by-scene reliefs at Luxor: the god Amun taking the form of Ramses's father, Seti I, the divine conception by Queen Tuya, the birth of the infant king flanked by goddesses, and the presentation of the royal child to the gods. They discuss the political context — Ramses was not the crown prince; his elder brother Nebwenenef had died young, making the claim of divine election a powerful tool. Luna asks about the audience for these carvings, and Lucas reveals that the innermost sanctuary of Luxor Temple was restricted to priests and royalty — so the message was aimed at the elite, not the masses. The episode also touches on the architectural innovation of the 'Birth Colonnade' and how Ramses used the Festival of Opet to parade his divine status through Thebes. The conversation ends with a reflection on the enduring power of myth in statecraft. This episode breaks new ground by focusing on a specific religious-political monument rather than battles or treaties. #RamsesII #DivineBirth #LuxorTemple #AmunRe #AncientEgypt #Propaganda #Pharaoh #QueenTuya #SetiI #Hatshepsut #FestivalOfOpet #EgyptianMythology #Kemet #Thebes #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #19thDynasty Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 131 of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna journey south of Kemet's border to Gebel Barkal — a sacred mountain in Nubia that the Egyptians called the 'Throne of the Two Lands.' Ramses the Great carved a monumental stela there, a 26-foot granite proclamation boasting of his conquests and divine favor. But this wasn't just propaganda — it was a deliberate act of cultural integration, equating the Nubian god Amun of Napata with the Egyptian Amun-Re. The stela also records Ramses's campaign against the 'wretched Kush,' a phrase that masks a more complex relationship of tribute, intermarriage, and military occupation. We explore the stela's text, its location at the mysterious Gebel Barkal — a flat-topped mesa that the Egyptians believed was the birthplace of Amun — and its role in anchoring Egyptian control over Nubia's gold routes. Along the way, we touch on the viceroy Setau, the temple of Amun at Napata, and the later Kushite pharaohs who would reverse the dynamic. A story of empire, stone, and the enduring power of sacred geography. #RamsesII #GebelBarkal #Nubia #Kush #AmunRe #Napata #Setau #EgyptianPropaganda #AncientEgypt #19thDynasty #Kemet #Hieroglyphs #Stela #GoldRoutes #SacredMountain #Colonialism #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Ramses the Great's grandest architectural statement—his mortuary temple, Medinet Habu. Though often overshadowed by Abu Simbel, Medinet Habu was a sprawling complex on the west bank of Thebes that served as both a temple to Amun-Re and a fortified administrative center. Lucas walks Luna through the temple's unique design, including its massive pylons, the 'Window of Appearances' where the pharaoh addressed the people, and the vivid reliefs depicting Ramses' battles against the Sea Peoples. They discuss the temple's role in the Beautiful Feast of the Valley, when the god Amun-Re would visit from Karnak, and how the complex housed Ramses' mortuary cult long after his death. Lucas also touches on the controversy over whether Ramses truly built Medinet Habu or simply usurped an earlier structure, and how the temple later became a Coptic settlement. The episode ends with a reflection on how monuments outlive their builders, carrying stories across millennia. #MedinetHabu #RamsesII #MortuaryTemple #AncientEgypt #Kemet #Thebes #AmunRe #SeaPeoples #BeautifulFeastOfTheValley #WindowOfAppearances #Coptic #Pharaoh #19thDynasty #Luxor #Egyptology #History #FexingoHistory #NorthAfrica Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna examine the Sea Peoples invasion during the reign of Ramses II, a pivotal threat that nearly toppled Egypt's New Kingdom. They explore the identity of these mysterious raiders—including the Sherden, Lukka, Peleset, Tjekker, Shekelesh, Denyen, Teresh, and Weshesh—using evidence from the Medinet Habu reliefs and the Papyrus Harris I. The conversation covers Ramses' defensive strategy, the Battle of the Delta in year 8 of his reign, and the geopolitical chaos of the Late Bronze Age Collapse. They also discuss the economic and social strains that Ramses faced, the role of his navy and chariot forces, and the long-term consequences for Egypt, including the eventual decline into the Third Intermediate Period. This episode offers a fresh perspective on a civilization under siege and the forces that reshaped the ancient world. #SeaPeoples #RamsesII #EgyptianHistory #LateBronzeAgeCollapse #MedinetHabu #Sherden #Peleset #Lukka #Tjekker #Shekelesh #Denyen #Teresh #Weshesh #BattleOfTheDelta #PapyrusHarrisI #NewKingdom #NorthAfrica #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

This episode dives into the gold mines of Nubia that fueled Ramses II's empire. We explore the logistical network behind extracting gold from the Eastern Desert, the role of convict labor and skilled miners at sites like Wadi Hammamat and the gold mines of Kush, and the economic impact on Egypt's 19th Dynasty. Lucas and Luna discuss the harsh realities of mining, the religious rituals performed to ensure safe operations, and how this wealth financed the colossal monuments at Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum. We also look at the administration of the mines under Viceroy Setau and the diplomatic power gold gave Egypt in the Bronze Age world. #AncientEgypt #RamsesII #Nubia #GoldMines #Kush #19thDynasty #WadiHammamat #Setau #AbuSimbel #Ramesseum #NewKingdom #Mining #GebelelSilsila #DeirelMedina #Gold #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Year 21 of his reign, Ramses II concluded the world's first recorded peace treaty with the Hittite king Hattusili III. But the real story is the silver tablet on which the treaty was inscribed — a diplomatic currency that carried Kemet's voice across the ancient Near East. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Ramses used not just chariots and temples, but letters, gifts, and a marriage alliance to secure Egypt's borders after Kadesh. They follow the silver tablet from Hattusa to Karnak, unpack the 'brother-to-brother' language of royal correspondence, and meet the scribes, envoys, and interpreters who made it all possible. Along the way, they examine the treaty's reciprocal extradition clauses — a startlingly modern idea — and the role of the goddess Sausga as a diplomatic seal. This is the story of a peace built on pragmatism, not idealism, and how Ramses turned a military stalemate into a thirty-year alliance. #RamsesII #HattusiliIII #PeaceTreaty #SilverTablet #Diplomacy #Hittites #Kadesh #Karnak #Hattusa #Sausga #AncientEgypt #BronzeAge #TreatyOfKadesh #InternationalRelations #NewKingdom #FexingoHistory #History #NorthAfrica Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the Feast of Opet, the grandest festival in ancient Kemet, under Ramses the Great. Held annually at Waset (Thebes), the Opet Festival was a 24-day celebration that reinforced the pharaoh's divine kingship and his bond with the god Amun-Re. Lucas explains the journey of the barque statues from the Temple of Karnak to the Temple of Luxor, the rituals performed, and the massive redistribution of food and gifts that united the kingdom. Learn about the processional route lined with sphinxes, the role of priests and musicians, and how Ramses II used the festival to legitimize his rule after the Battle of Kadesh. Discover how the festival evolved from the Middle Kingdom and what it reveals about the symbiotic relationship between the pharaoh and the gods. Specific details include the barque shrines, the sacred barque of Amun-Re, the cult of Mut and Khonsu, and the political significance of the 'Beautiful Feast of Opet.' This episode offers a vivid window into the religious and social heart of the New Kingdom. #RamsesII #OpetFestival #AncientEgypt #Kemet #AmunRe #Karnak #LuxorTemple #Waset #Thebes #NewKingdom #EgyptianReligion #Pharaoh #DivineKingship #Barque #Mut #Khonsu #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Long before they fought for Ramses II at Kadesh, the Sherden were feared sea raiders who plagued Egypt's coasts. This episode traces their transformation — from captured pirates to elite warriors of the pharaoh's personal guard, with their distinctive horned helmets and bronze swords. Lucas and Luna explore what we know from the Battle of Kadesh reliefs at the Ramesseum, the Papyrus Harris I's account of Sherden prisoners being recruited, and the thorny question of their homeland — Sardinia? The Levant? We also examine how the Sherden integrated into Egyptian society, marrying local women and settling in the Delta, and what their story tells us about Ramses's pragmatic approach to foreign policy. This is a tight, focused look at a single group that crosses the lines between enemy and ally, pirate and soldier. #Sherden #SeaPeoples #RamsesII #Kadesh #EgyptianMilitary #Mercenaries #BronzeAge #Pirates #Ramesseum #PapyrusHarrisI #PerRamesses #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #NorthAfrica #AncientEgypt #NavalWarfare #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Ramses II's largely overlooked campaigns against Libyan tribes in the western Delta. While the Battle of Kadesh and Hittite diplomacy dominate the record, Ramses faced persistent threats from the Libyans (Tjehenu and Tjemehu) who pressed into Egypt's fertile lands. Using the fortress of Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham and his northern capital Pi-Ramesses as bases, Ramses launched punitive expeditions to secure the border. We discuss the archaeological evidence from the western forts, the role of the Sherden mercenaries in these campaigns, and how these conflicts set the stage for later Libyan incursions under Ramses' successors. The episode also touches on the Meshwesh tribe's gradual integration into Egyptian society, culminating in Libyan pharaohs of the Third Intermediate Period. A fascinating but often forgotten chapter of Ramses' reign. #RamsesII #LibyanWars #AncientEgypt #WesternDelta #Tjehenu #Tjemehu #Meshwesh #ZawiyetUmmelRakham #PiRamesses #Sherden #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #NorthAfrica #Libya #Fortress #Mercenaries #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore an often-overlooked pillar of Ramses II's military might: his state-run horse breeding program. From the stables of Per-Ramesses to the horse-training regimens depicted at Abu Simbel, we uncover how Egypt's 'Great Stable' supplied the chariotry that won at Kadesh. Lucas explains the logistical feat of importing and breeding horses from Syria and Nubia, the roles of charioteers and grooms, and the veterinary care documented in papyri. We also touch on the economic impact: horses were status symbols and diplomatic gifts. The episode sheds light on a specialized bureaucracy that kept Ramses's army mobile and feared throughout the ancient Near East. #RamsesII #HorseBreeding #Chariotry #PerRamesses #Kadesh #AbuSimbel #AncientEgypt #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #Horses #EgyptianMilitary #Logistics #Syria #Nubia #Veterinary #Charioteers #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Ramses II's pioneering diplomatic missions: the embassies that shuttled between Kemet and Hatti after the Battle of Kadesh. They follow the journey of Egyptian envoys along the Ways of Horus, through Canaan and into Anatolia, bearing gold and silver, accompanied by scribes and interpreters. The dialogue unpacks the first peace treaty in history—the Treaty of Kadesh—and the letters exchanged with Hattusili III and Queen Puduhepa that reveal a surprisingly modern world of statecraft. Lucas explains how these embassies weren't just about politics but also intelligence gathering, gift exchange, and even marriage negotiations, culminating in the arrival of the Hittite princess Maathorneferure at Per-Ramesses. The episode touches on the daily life of an Egyptian diplomat, the languages spoken (Egyptian, Hittite, Akkadian), and how Ramses used diplomacy to bolster his image at home. A fresh angle that draws on the Amarna Letters tradition and recent scholarship on Hittite-Egyptian relations. #RamsesII #EgyptianDiplomacy #HittiteEmpire #TreatyOfKadesh #HattusiliIII #Puduhepa #Maathorneferure #PerRamesses #BronzeAge #AncientEgypt #Kemet #Hatti #Anatolia #WaysOfHorus #AmarnaLetters #PeaceTreaty #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

He was Ramses II's fourth son, but instead of commanding armies or building monuments of his own, Khaemwaset chose the path of the priest and the scholar, becoming one of ancient Egypt's most intriguing figures. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Prince Khaemwaset served as High Priest of Ptah in Memphis, restored long-neglected pyramids and tombs of Old Kingdom pharaohs, and earned a reputation as a magician that persisted in Egyptian folklore for centuries. They discuss his library of medical and magical texts, his restoration of the Serapeum's Apis bull burials, and the famous 'Stories of Setne Khaemwaset' — Demotic tales that turned him into a legendary sorcerer. Along the way, they touch on his rivalry with his half-brother Merenptah, his role in Ramses's Sed festival, and how his careful preservation of Egypt's past shaped our own understanding of the ancient world. From the Apis bulls to the Pyramid Texts, from Memphis to Saqqara, this is the story of a prince who looked backward to save the future. #RamsesII #Khaemwaset #PrinceKhaemwaset #SetneKhaemwaset #HighPriestOfPtah #Memphis #Saqqara #Serapeum #ApisBull #AncientEgypt #Egyptology #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #PyramidTexts #Merenptah #DemoticLiterature #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the remarkable career of Setau, Ramses the Great's most trusted Viceroy of Kush. Setau wasn't just an administrator — he was a priest, a military commander, and the driving force behind Ramses's massive building projects in Nubia. We trace Setau's rise from a humble scribe to the second most powerful man in Egypt, overseeing gold mines, temples like Wadi es-Sebua, and the brutal suppression of a Kushite rebellion. Along the way, we uncover how Ramses rewarded Setau with unprecedented privileges, including a rock-cut temple and a tomb in the Valley of the Kings — honors normally reserved for pharaohs. Setau's story reveals the human machinery behind Ramses's golden age, and raises questions about loyalty, power, and the cost of empire. Join us for a deep dive into the life of a man who helped build an Egyptian superpower. #Setau #ViceroyOfKush #RamsesTheGreat #Nubia #WadiEsSebua #AbuSimbel #KushiteRebellion #GoldMines #EgyptianEmpire #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #ValleyOfTheKings #Kemet #AncientEgypt #History #FexingoHistory #NorthAfrica #Pharaoh Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

This episode explores one of the most remarkable diplomatic achievements of the ancient world: the peace treaty between Ramses II of Egypt and Hattusili III of the Hittite Empire, concluded around 1259 BCE. Lucas and Luna examine the brutal war of attrition that led to the treaty, the silver tablet on which the accord was inscribed, and the parallel copies found at Karnak and in the Hittite capital Hattusa. They discuss the treaty's terms—extradition clauses, mutual defense, and the promise of brotherhood—and how it reshaped the geopolitics of the Late Bronze Age. The conversation also touches on the treaty's surprising legacy: it is often called the first recorded peace treaty in history, a model for later diplomacy, and its text is even displayed at the United Nations. Lucas explains the role of Queen Puduhepa in the negotiations, the marriage alliance that sealed the deal, and how the treaty held for the rest of Ramses's reign. A fresh angle building on prior episodes about Kadesh, the Sea Peoples, and Ramses's wives. #RamsesII #HittitePeaceTreaty #HattusiliIII #Puduhepa #Kadesh #LateBronzeAge #AncientDiplomacy #Karnak #Hattusa #SilverTablet #Maathorneferure #Brotherhood #Extradition #MutualDefense #UnitedNations #FexingoHistory #History #AncientEgypt Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 112 of Ramses the Great dives into the lives of the engineers, quarrymen, artists, and laborers who built the colossal monuments of Egypt's most prolific pharaoh. Lucas and Luna explore the workforce behind Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum, and Pi-Ramesses — not slaves but skilled artisans, conscripted farmers during the inundation, and state-organized crews working in rotating shifts. They discuss the role of the Vizier in overseeing projects, the use of copper chisels and stone hammers, the logistics of feeding thousands of workers, and the evidence from Deir el-Medina and papyri like Papyrus Anastasi IV. The episode also touches on the social status of builders, the religious ceremonies that sanctified construction, and the legacy of Ramses's building program in cementing his divine kingship. The conversation ends with a reflection on how these structures still shape our image of ancient Egypt. #RamsesII #AbuSimbel #Ramesseum #PiRamesses #AncientEgypt #19thDynasty #NewKingdom #DeirElMedina #PapyrusAnastasiIV #Vizier #StoneQuarry #CopperTools #MonumentBuilding #AncientEngineering #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #Workforce Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the often-overlooked women in Ramses the Great's life — not just the famous Nefertari, but also Queen Tuya, Isetnofret, Maathorneferure, and the harem conspiracy. They discuss Nefertari's political influence, her temple at Abu Simbel, and her letters to the Hittite queen Puduhepa. They also examine Isetnofret's role as mother of the crown prince, the diplomatic marriage to a Hittite princess, and the little-known harem plot that threatened Ramses' succession. Along the way, they touch on how royal women wielded power through religion, diplomacy, and family ties in 19th Dynasty Egypt. This episode offers a fresh angle on Ramses' reign by focusing on the women who shaped it. #RamsesII #Nefertari #Isetnofret #Maathorneferure #QueenTuya #Puduhepa #AbuSimbel #HaremConspiracy #19thDynasty #NewKingdom #Kemet #PerRamesses #EgyptianQueens #AncientEgypt #History #FexingoHistory #WomenInHistory #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 110, Lucas and Luna explore Ramses the Great's chariot corps — the elite weapon that turned the Battle of Kadesh from a near-disaster into a propaganda triumph. They discuss the two-man crew: the charioteer who steered the horse team and the archer who loosed composite arrows at full gallop. Lucas explains how Egyptian chariots were lighter and faster than Hittite models, built from wood, leather, and rawhide, with six-spoked wheels that held up on rough terrain. They also cover the training regimen at Per-Ramesses, the logistics of deploying thousands of chariots across the Orontes River, and the archers' tactic of shooting from the right side of the moving vehicle. The episode touches on Ramses's personal chariot — named 'Victory in Thebes' — and how he used his vehicle as a mobile command post. Luna asks about the role of the Sherden mercenaries who crewed some chariots, and Lucas explains how captured Hittite chariot designs influenced later Egyptian upgrades. The conversation ends by reflecting on how the chariot, as a symbol of pharaonic power, appears in temple reliefs and even in Ramses's own tomb KV7. A natural donation midpoint connects the value of careful craftsmanship — just as chariot builders relied on skilled hands, the show relies on listener support to keep ad-free. #RamsesII #Kadesh #EgyptianChariotry #ChariotArcher #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #Hittites #OrontesRiver #Sherden #PerRamesses #CompositeBow #VictoryInThebes #LateBronzeAge #ChariotWarfare #KV7 #AncientEgypt #MilitaryHistory #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

When Ramses II became pharaoh, he built a new capital from scratch on the Nile Delta: Per-Ramesses, the 'House of Ramses.' For centuries it was the glittering heart of Egyptian power, filled with temples, palaces, and workshops. Then it vanished. In this episode, Lucas and Luna trace the rise and fall of this lost city — from its foundation on the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, to its role as a military and industrial hub, to the geological shift that doomed it. They explore the 2013 discovery of the colossal statue of Ramses II at Tell el-Dab'a, the city's connection to the biblical story of the Exodus, and how the shifting Nile turned a bustling metropolis into farmland. Along the way, they discuss the city's cosmopolitan population — including Canaanites, Hittites, and Sherden mercenaries — and the newly discovered military barracks that housed foreign troops. This episode offers a fresh angle on Ramses' reign through the lens of urban planning, archaeology, and environmental change. #PerRamesses #RamsesII #AncientEgypt #LostCity #BiblicalArchaeology #TellElDaba #NileDelta #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #EgyptianArchaeology #AncientCapital #Qantir #Exodus #Sherden #MilitaryHistory #UrbanPlanning #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Ramses the Great's use of the Sed festival (heb-sed) to reinforce his divine kingship and extend his 67-year reign. They discuss how Ramses built jubilee chapels at Per-Ramesses and elsewhere, performed ritual runs to demonstrate vitality, and co-opted the festival's ancient origins from earlier pharaohs like Djoser and Sneferu. The conversation touches on the symbolism of the dual throne, the role of the goddess Weret Hekau, and how Ramses used the Sed festival to legitimize his rule in the face of the Hittite threat and internal challenges. The episode also examines the archaeological evidence for these celebrations, including inscriptions at the Ramesseum and Abu Simbel. Finally, a brief sidebar connects the Sed festival's emphasis on renewal to listener support that keeps the show ad-free. #RamsesII #SedFestival #HebSed #AncientEgypt #Pharaoh #DivineKingship #PerRamesses #Ramesseum #AbuSimbel #NewKingdom #19thDynasty #Kemet #Djoser #Sneferu #WeretHekau #JubileeChapel #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo