
Did Ramesses II really steal history?
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Ramesses II is remembered as one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful builders
His name is associated with Abu Simbel Karnak and some of the most monumental architecture of the New Kingdom
But archaeology reveals something more complicated
Ramesses II completed projects started by his father Seti I and incorporated earlier monuments into his own building program
In some cases royal inscriptions on older monuments were erased and replaced with the names of later kings
This practice is known today as the usurpation of monuments
It was not unique to Ramesses II and it does not mean that every monument carrying his name was originally built by him
His reign was also marked by an enormous building program designed to make his presence and royal legacy visible across Egypt
So was Ramesses II simply one of Egypt’s greatest builders
Or was he also exceptionally skilled at turning the achievements of earlier generations into part of his own legacy
What do you think