Ramses 11 known as Ramses the great features prominently up and down Egypt. He lived for 90 years (1303BC – 1213BC), ruling for 66 years. Amazing longevity for those times. His reign is marked by a series of military victories strengthening the Egyptian empire at the time which extended from Syria in the north to Sudan in the south. He is the first ruler on the planet to strike a peace deal (with the Hittites in 1259). He had up to 200 wives and concubines with up to 200 children. He also was responsible for an inordinate number of temples and statues.
His “signature” monument was Abu Simbel which is as large as his ego. Under threat by the rising waters of Lake Nasser it was also the subject of relocation in the mid 60s. Built in the 13th century BC it features 4 x 20 metre statues of himself. The interior is replete with carvings of himself in military poses outlining many of the battles he has won. When I was here in 1982 I was able to go behind the relocated temple wall and view the awe inspiring 20th century concrete dome which supports the temple facade. Unfortunately this was closed off in 1999.
Uniquely he built a second massive temple here dedicated to his favourite wife the beautiful Nefertari.
It’s a 7 hour round trip by car to Abu Simbel and it is close to sunset when we check into the iconic Cataract Hotel. Built in 1899, among its famous guests was Agatha Christie who wrote Death on the Nile while staying here. This is a spectacular luxury hotel and has us wishing that we were staying longer than one night here.
