Ramesses II
(about 1279-1213 BC)
Horus name: Kanakht Merymaat
Nebty name: Mekkemetwafkhasut
Golden Falcon name: Userrenput-aanehktu
Prenomen: Usermaatre-setepenre
Nomen: Ramesses (meryamun)
Queen-Mother Mut-Tuy
Parents and family: Ramesses II was the son of King Seti I and Queen Mut-Tuy.
Ramesses is shown on a stela behind Seti I as the crown-prince. Ramesses had an older
sister named Tia. Tia married a treasurer who was also named Tia, and this couple was
1
buried in the necropolis of Saqqara, close to the tomb of Horemheb. Ramesses likely had
another sister named Henutmire, and she became one of the wives of Ramesses.
Ramesses' name is sometimes written as Ramessu or Ramses.
Tia and Tia shown sailing to Abydos.
Wives:
1. Nefertari Meryetmut ("Beautiful companion, beloved of Mut")
Titles: Great of Praises (wrt-hzwt), Sweet of Love (bnrt-mrwt), Lady of Grace (nbt-im3t), Great
King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt), Great King’s Wife, his beloved (hmt-niswt-wrt meryt.f), Lady of The
Two Lands (nbt-t3wy), Lady of all Lands (hnwt-t3w-nbw), Wife of the Strong Bull (hmt-k3-nxt),
God’s Wife (hmt-ntr), Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt (hnwt-Shm’w-mhw)
Principal queen during the early years of the reign of Ramesses II. She appears in scenes at the
Ramesseum and apparently had a chapel dedicated to her (joint with the Queen-Mother Tuya).
Ramesses II had a temple at Abu Simbel dedicated to Nefertari and Hathor. Nefertari is depicted
twice on the facade of this smaller temple. Her images are the same size as the images of her
husband. She died sometime after year 24 and was buried in QV 66 in the Valley of the Queens.
She was the mother of the Princes Amen-hir-kepesh-ef, Prehirwenemef, Meryatum, Meryre and
the Princesses Merytamen and Henuttawy. Sometimes thought to be the mother of the
Princesses Bakmut, Nefertari and Nebettawy as well.
2
Queen Nefertari shown in her tomb in the Queen's Valley. The Hathor temple at Abu Simbel,
dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
2. Isetnofret (I) ("Isis, the Beautiful")
Titles: Hereditary Princess (iryt-p`t), Great of Praises (wrt-hzwt), King’s Mother (mwtniswt), Mistress of the entire Two Lands (hnwt-t3wy-tm), King’s Wife (hmt-nisw), Great
King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt)
This queen did not play as prominent a role as Nefertari, but is depicted on some stela in
upper egypt. Her sons include the Princes Ramesses, Khaemwaset, and Merenptah.
Merenptah mentions that he was born in Heliopolis, hence Isetnofret must have spent
some time in the Delta. Her daughters include Bintanath and Isetnofret. Isetnofret may
also be the mother of prince Sety and princess Nebettawy (although the latter is also often
mentioned as a daughter of Queen Nefertari. It is not known where Queen Isetnofret was
buried. Some think she may be buried in the Valley of the queens, but it is also suggested
that her tomb may be located at Saqqara.
3
Ramesses with his second wife Isetnofret, their daughter Bint'Anath and son Khaemwaset.
At the bottom of the stela we see the princes Merneptah and Ramesses. (from a stela at Gebel-el
Silsila)
(Based on a drawing by Lepsius)
3. Bint-anath, ("Daughter of Anath")
Titles: Hereditary Princess, the great first one (iryt-p`t-tpit-wrt), Lady of The Two Lands
(nbt-t3wy), Great King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt), Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt
(hnwt-Shm’w -mhw), King’s Daughter (s3t-niswt), King’s Sister (snt-niswt)
The eldest daughter of Ramesses and Queen Isetnofret was raised to the position of great
royal wife as early as year 22.
4
Bint-Anath as show in her tomb in the Queen's Valley. On the right the daughter of Bint-Anath.
(After a drawing by Lepsius)
Bint-Anath (left) and Merytamun (right) in Luxor.
(Photographs by Sesen)
4. Meryetamen, ("Beloved of Amun")
5
Titles: Hereditary Princess, the great first one (iryt-p`t-tpit-wrt), Lady of The Two Lands
(nbt-t3wy), Great King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt), Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt
(hnwt-Shm’w -mhw), King’s Daughter (s3t-niswt), King’s Daughter, his beloved (s3tniswt-mryt.f), King’s Sister (snt-niswt)
A daughter of Ramesses and Queen Nefertari was raised to the position of great royal
wife as early as year 24.
Princess-Queen Merytamen as depicted in her tomb in the Valley of the Queens. (L)
(Based on a drawing by Lepsius) and in the temple at Akhmin (R)
(Photograph by Sesen)
5. Nebettawy. ("Lady of the Two Lands")
Titles: Lady of The Two Lands (nbt-t3wy), Great King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt), Mistress
of Upper and Lower Egypt (hnwt-Shm’w -mhw), King’s Daughter (s3t-niswt), King’s
Daughter of his body, his beloved (s3t-niswt-nt-kht.f-mryt.f)
Another daughter of Ramesses who was raised to the position of great royal wife. She
served much later in the reign of Ramesses than her older sisters.
6
Princess-Queen Nebettawy depicted in her tomb in the Valley of the Queens.
(Based on a drawing by Lepsius)
6. Maathor-neferure, ("One who sees Horus, Beauty of Re")
Titles: Great King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt), Mistress of the Two Lands (hnwt-t3wy),
Daughter of the Great Ruler of Hatti.
She was the daughter of the Hittite King Hattusilis and Queen Puduheba. Married
Ramesses in year 34. Her Hittite name is not known. She was apparently given the name
Maat-hor-neferure upon her marriage to Ramesses II. Had a daughter named Neferure.
She first lived at the royal palace at Pi-Ramesse. Records indicate that Maathorneferure
later lived in the royal harem at Mi-wer (Gurob). There is a small (broken) statue of her
next to the knee of Ramesses.
Maathorneferure and her father Hattusilis in Egypt. (Based on a drawing by Lepsius)
7
7. Henutmire. ("The Lady is like Re")
Titles: Lady of The Two Lands (nbt-t3wy), Great King’s Wife (hmt-niswt-wrt), Mistress
of Upper and Lower Egypt (hnwt-Shm’w -mhw), King’s Daughter of his body, his
beloved (s3t-niswt-nt-kht.f-mryt.f)
Henutmire is thought by some to be a sister of Ramesses II, others believe her to be a
daughter or even grand-daughter of the King. A princess Henutmire is depicted on the
side of the Vatican statue of the Queen-Mother Tuya. Henutmire is also depicted on
statues from Heliopolis, Hermopolis and mentioned on her sarcophagus.
Some have speculated that Henutmire was the daughter of Princess-Queen Meryetamun
and Ramesses. She seems to have become Queen fairly late in the reign of Ramesses II.
Possibly after year 38.
Henutmire on a statue of Ramesses II (now in the Alexandria museum)
8. [Second Hittite Princess] - no Egyptian name survives, although in later records she is
referred to as Bentresh. A younger sister of Maathorneferure. According to Tyldesley
Ramesses married this second daughter 10 years after the marriage to Maathorneferure,
i.e. in year 44.
9. Sutererey who was the mother of Prince Ramses-Siptah.
8
The Temple at Abu Simbel
His children:
A lot has been made of the fact that Ramses had so many children. He was also the first
king of the New Kingdom to show this large number of offspring. Because of the
inscriptions on temple walls it is possible to reconstruct a partial list of children for
Ramses. We know a bit more about the eldest children of the king and where possible
some biographical information has been added.
9
Pocession of Sons at the Ramesseum below scenes showing Ramesses before Amun, Mut and
Ptah.
As well as Ramesses in the company of Horus(?) and Thoth.
(Photo by Sesen)
Daughters:
10
A procession of princesses from Abu Simbel.
From right to left: Bintanath, Bakmut, Nefertari, Merytamun, Nebettawy, Isetnofret,
Henuttawy, Werenro, Nedjemmut.
(After a line-drawing by Lepsius)
This list is based on the one published by K.A. Kitchen. The first 9 princesses appear in
the list at Abu Simbel, and the list from 10 - 30 based on the princess-list from Abydos
(1st court, W onto N walls). Princesses 31-34 are from Luxor, and 35-38 from Medinet
Habu/Ramesseum. The final princesses, 39-53, come from an ostracon from the Louvre.
1. Bintanath. ("Daughter of Anath") Eldest daughter of Ramesses and Queen Isetnofret.
The first of the princesses to be raised to the position of great royal wife. Possibly as
early as year 22. Bintanath is depicted in the list of princesses at Abu Simbel. She is
depicted as a queen behind her mother and father on a stela from Gebel el Silsila. She is
also depicted on another stela from upper egypt. In this second inscription she is depicted
in the second register behind her brother Prince Ramesses and in front of her brother
Merenptah. Ramesses II, Isetnofret, and Prince Khaemwaset are depicted in the top
register. Bintanath was buried in QV71. In the tomb she is depicted with a daughter. See
above.
2. Bakmut, ("Handmaiden of Mut") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved. Second
daughter depicted at Abu Simbel. Possibly a daughter of Ramesses II and Queen
Nefertari? Not much more is known about her.
3. Nefertari II, ("Beautiful Companion") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved,
Chantress of Amun. Third daughter depicted at Abu Simbel and 7th at Luxor. Probably a
daughter of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari. It is possible that this princess is identical
to the Nefertari who is mentioned as the wife of Prince Amen-hir-kepesh-ef and the
mother of Sety.
4. Merytamun, ("Beloved of Amun")Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, King’s
Daughter, Great Royal Wife, Lady of Both Lands, a daughter of Ramesses II and Queen
11
Nefertari. Raised to position of great royal wife in or near year 24 when she is depicted in
an inscription of the Viceroy of Nubia, Heqanakht. Merytamun is shown officiating for
her mother. Large statues of Queen Merytamen are known from Akhmin and the
Ramesseum. Merytamun was buried in QV68.
5. Nebettawy, ("Lady of the Two Lands")Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved. The third
of the daughters of Ramesses II to be raised to the position of great royal wife. Not much
is known about her. Nebettawy appears in the list of princesses at Abu Simbel and was
buried in QV60.
6. Isetnofret II, ("Isis, the Beautiful") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of
Isis. Probably a daughter of Ramesses II and Queen Isetnofret. This princess may have
been married to Prince Merenptah and may be the Queen depicted alongside Merenptah
at Gebel el-Silsila. If so, then she is the mother of prince Seti-Merneptah. Although it is
also possible that this queen of Merenptah is actually his niece Isetnofret III, the daughter
of his brother Khaemwaset.
7. Henuttawy, ("Mistress of the Two Lands") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved. She appears in
the list of princesses at Abu Simbel.
8. Werenro(or Werel), Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Amun. She appears in
the list of princesses at Abu Simbel.
9. Nedjemmut, ("Sweet is Mut") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved. She appears in
the list of princesses at Abu Simbel.
Futher daughters include:
From Abydos:
10. Qedmerut, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Hathor. ;
11. Nebetiunet, ("Lady of Heliopolis") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress
of Hathor;
12. Nebetnehat.;
13. Tuya, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Mut;
14. Hent-ah, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Hathor, Lady of […];
15. Meryt-Sekhmet, ("Beloved of Sekhmet") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved,
Chantress of Sekhmet;
16. Henut-iunu; ("Mistress of Dendera")
17. […] ;
18. Niubhirkhesbed;
19. Shepsy-hir-iotes, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
20. Hentmerut, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
12
21. Meryetmihapi, ("Beloved like Hapi") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
22. Meryetiotes B, ("Beloved of her father") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
23. Nebemiunu, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
24. Hentpahar, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
25. Henutsekhemu, ("Mistress of Powers") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved,
Chantress of Hathor(?) ;
26. Hent-..i-sep? , Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved;
27. Pipuy, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Hathor-Nebt-hetepet. ;
28. Renpet-nofret, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of […];
29. Neferure, ("Beauty of Re") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Pre
30. Meryt-netjer, ("Beloved of the god") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved
From Luxor:
31. Meryt-Ptah, ("Beloved of Ptah") Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of
Ptah;
32. […]et-nofret, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Pre;
33. […]hab, Bodily King’s Daughter, his beloved, Chantress of Amun;
34. […]maat?
From Medinet Habu:
35.[…]u-imenes; 36.[…]; 37. […]em-merut; 38. […]em-[…]-Mut
From an Ostracon from the Louvre:
39. […], King’s Daughter;
40. […]-nofret, King’s Daughter;
41. […]taweret, King’s Daughter;
42. Henuttaneb, ("Mistress of all the Lands") King’s Daughter;
43. Tuia, King’s Daughter;
44. Henutshedeshret, King’s Daughter;
45. Hetepu-em-amun, ("Peace of Amun") King’s Daughter;
46. Nebt-iam-nedjem, King’s Daughter;
47. Henut-tamehu, ("Lady of Lower Egypt") King’s Daughter;
48. Nebetananash, King’s Daughter;
49. Sitamun, ("Daughter of Amun") King’s Daughter;
50. Tia-Sitre, ("Tia, Daughter of Re") King’s Daughter;
51. Tuia-Nebettawy, ("Tuia, Lady of the Two Lands") King’s Daughter;
52. Takhat, King’s Daughter;
53. Nubemweskhet, King’s Daughter
13
Sons
1. Amen-hir-kepesh-ef / Seth-hir-kepesh-ef: ("Amun / Seth is with his strong arm") Fanbearer
on the King’s Right hand, Hereditary Prince, Royal Scribe, Generalissimo (of his Majesty), Senior
and Bodily King’s Son, beloved of him. The Eldest son of Ramses and Nefertari. Changed his
name early in the reign from Amenhirwenemef to Amen-hir-kepeshef, and changed it again (to
Sethhikopshef) around year 20. There is some speculation that he was known as
Amenhirkopshef in the north and Sethhikopshef in the south. He was involved in the
correspondence with the Hittites after the peace treaty. He apparently died around year 25.
There is an ostracon mentioning a wife named Nefertari and a son named Sety. Likely buried in
KV5
2. Ramsesses: ("Born of Re") Fanbearer on the King’s Right hand, Royal Scribe,
Generalissimo (of the Lord of the Two Lands), Bodily King’s Son, beloved of him Son of
Ramses and Isetnofret. Heir to the throne from year 25 to year 50. Buried in KV5.
14
Sons depicted at Abu Simbel. On the left a prince from the smaller temple.
On the right a prince from the great temple.
3. Prehirwenemef: ("Re is with his strong arm") Fanbearer on the King’s Right hand,
1st Lieutenant of the Army, King’s Son of his Body, Master of the Horses, First
charioteer of His Majesty. Son of Ramses and Nefertari. Depicted in the triumph that
followed Kadesh. On a Karnak statue base there is mention of a woman named Wadjytkha’ti.
15
Amenhirkhepeshef, Ramesses, and Prehirwenemef at the Ramesseum
(Photo by Sesen)
4. Khaemwaset: ("Appearing in Thebes") King’s Son of his Body, Sem-Priest of Ptah,
The Sem-priest controlling all clothing, High Priest of Ptah in Memphis, Executive at the
Head of the Two Lands. Son of Ramses and Isetnofret. Crown Prince from year 50 to 55.
One of the best known sons of Ramses. Known as one of the first archeologists. He was
famous in ancient Egypt, and later featured as the hero Setne-Khaemwese in a cycle of
stories written in the Late/Ptolemaic times. From documents and inscriptions
Khaemwaset is known to have had two sons: Prince Ramesses (a sem-priest of Ptah) and
Prince Hori (later High Priest of Ptah) and a daughter named Isetnofret. The name of
Khaemwaset's wife (or wives) is not known to us. His grand-son Hori, son of HPM Hori
later served as Vizier well into the 20th dynasty.
Link to Khaemwaset Page
5. Mentu-hirkepeshef: ("Montu is with his strong arm") King’s Son of his Body,
Master of the Horses, First Charioteer of his father, Royal Scribe. Also known from a
Statue from Bubastis. He is called Mentu-hir-wenemef in an inscription from Luxor.
Mentu-hirkhepeshef was present at the battle of Kadesh in year 5 and the Battle of Dapur
in year 10.
16
Khaemwaset and Mentuhirkhepeshef at Luxor
(Photo by yuti)
6. Nebenkhurru: King’s Son of his Body, Troopcommander. Prince Nebenkhurru was
present at the battle of Kadesh and at a battle in the North (Qode).
7. Meryamun: ("Beloved of Amun") King’s Son of his Body. Also known as RamessesMeryamun. Present during the triumph after the battle of Qadesh, and the siege of the
Syrian city of Dapur in year 10. Buried in KV5, where remains of his canopic jars were
found.
17
Sons 3 to 7 at the Ramesseum (from right to left).
I.e. Prehirwenemef, Khaemwaset, Mentuhirkhepeshef, Nebenkhurru, and Meryamun.
(Photo by Sesen)
8. Amenemwia / Sethemwia: ("Amun / Seth in the divine barque") King’s Son of his
Body. Present at the battle of Kadesh, siege of Dapur in year 10 and the siege of Qode (in
Naharina in the North). Named Sethemwia at the town gate of Amara (in Nubia).
9. Sety: King’s Son of his Body, First Officer of his father. His name is spelled Sutiy in
his funerary equipment. Present during the triumph after the battle of Qadesh, and the
siege of the Syrian city of Dapur in year 10. Buried in KV5, where two of his canopic jars
were found. His tomb was inspected in year 53.
10. Setepenre: ("Chosen of Re") King’s Son of his Body. Present at the siege of the city
of Darfur (yr.10). A doorway from Qantir (later usurped by son no. 39 RamessesSethemnakht) lists Setepenre as the hereditary prince and count, real King’s son, beloved
of him.
11. Meryre I: ("Beloved of Re") King’s Son of his Body. Son of Ramses and Nefertari.
Present at the Battle of Kadesh (year 5) and the Siege of Qode (in Naharina). Depicted
twice on the façade of the Hathor temple in Abu Simbel.
12. Horhirwenemef: ("Horus is strong with his arm") King’s Son of his Body. Shown
presenting prisoners to his father after the Battle of Kadesh. He was present at the siege
of Qode (in Naharina), as depicted in Luxor.
18
13. Merenptah: ("Beloved of Ptah") Hereditary Prince, King’s Son of his Body, Eldest
King’s Son, Executive at the Head of the Two Lands., Generelissimo, Royal Scibe,
Superintendant of the Seal. On a naophorous kneeling statue he is listed as Director for
the Gods, Heir of Geb, Controller and Superintendant of his throne, Royal Scribe and
Generalissimo, Senior King’s Son Ramessses-Merneptah. Son of Ramses and Isetnofret.
Heir to the throne and for all intent and purpose regent during the last 10 years of his
father’s reign. He became Generalissimo after year 50 and Heir to the throne in year 55
14. Amenhotep: ("Amun is pleased") King’s Son of his Body. Shown running and
presenting prisoners to his father in a scene in Luxor.
15. Itamun: (or Ioti-Amun): ("Amun is the father") King’s Son of his Body. A letter
from The superintendant of Cattle, Sunero to prince Khaemwaset mentions Prince IotiAmun. Khaemwaset had given an order: “Let search be made of these retainers the
King’s Son Ioti-Amun, who are in the district of Ninsu (Heracleopolis), and they shall be
made to name their companions (accomplices?)”. Further on in the letter Sunero writes:
“Now, I reached the district of Ninsu and found the retainer of the General, Piay, along
with Qenhirkhopshef, retainer of the King’s Son, Ioti-Amun, and they brought them back,
6 men of them, who had been in the prison of the son of the Chief of the Treasury. They
pressed on southward to seize the others.”
16. Meryatum: ("Beloved of Atum") King’s Son of his Body, High Priest of Re in
Heliopolis. There are statues of Meryatum in Berlis that list his titles as: Hereditary
Prince and Count, Chief of the Seers in the mansion of the Phoenix (Bennu-bird), bodily
King’s Son, beloved of him, Chief of Seers. Other titles mentioned: Setem-priest in the
Horizon of Eternity, Eyes of the King at the head of his Two Lands, pure of hands in the
House of Re, Charioteer of his father the victorious King, Horus Falcon, Beloved of
Maat.
Son of Ramses and Nefertari according to the inscription on one of the Berlin Statues.
Apparently visited the Sinai during the second decade of his father’s reign. He served as
high priest for about 20 years. He was either buried in the Queens Valley or in KV5.
17. Neb(en)taneb: ("Lord of all lands") King’s Son of his Body
18. Meryre II: ("Beloved of Re") King’s Son of his Body
19. Amenemopet: ("Amun with the Opet feast") King’s Son of his Body
20. Senakhtenamen: ("Amun gives him strength") King’s Son of his Body. Mentioned
in Abydos.
19
21. Ramesses-Merenre: ("Born of Re, beloved of Re") King’s Son of his Body
22. Thutmose: ("Born of Thoth") King’s Son of his Body
23. Simentu : ("Son of Montu") King’s Son of his Body. He married Iryet, the daughter
of Benanath, A Syrian ship’s captain. An ostracon records: Year 42, 4th month of Peret,
day (1), of the King of S & N Egypt, Uimare Setepenre, Son of Re, Ramesses II, god,
Ruler of Heliopolis, LPH. Iryt, daughter of the ship’s captain Ben-‘Anath, the wife of the
King’s Son Si-Montu who is in charge of the (irrigated) terrain of the Estate of Usimare
Stepenre, LPH in Memphis.
24. Mentuemwaset: ("Montu in Thebes") King’s Son of his Body
25. Siamun: ("Son of Amun") King’s Son of his Body
26. Ramesses-Siptah: ("Born of Re, Son of Ptah") King’s Son of his Body. Probably the
son of Sutererey. Mentioned on a statue in the Louvre. On another relief in the Louvre, a
Lady follows a prince. The prince is identified as King’s Son Ramesses Siptah and his
mother as the Royal Wife Suteriroy
Further sons include:
27. Ramesses Si-Atum. ("Born of Re, Son of Atum") King’s Son of his Body, his
beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
28. Mentu-en-heqau. King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.,
29. Mery-mentu. ("Beloved of Montu") King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned
in Abydos.
30. […]-Montu. King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
31. [?Me]r-Pre. ("Beloved of Re?") King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in
Abydos.
32. Meryty-mi-re. King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
33. Ramesses-Userkhepesh. ("Born of Re, Strong of Sword (?)") King’s Son of his
Body, his beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
34. Ramesses Mery-Setekh. ("Born of Re, Beloved of Sutekh") King’s Son of his Body,
his beloved. Mentioned in Abydos and in the Ramesseum.
35. Ramesses Si-Khepri. ("Born of Re, Son of Khepri") King’s Son of his Body, his
beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
36. Ramesses-Merymaat. ("Born of Re, Beloved of Maat") King’s Son of his Body, his
beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
37. Ramesses-Meryastarte. ("Born of Re, Beloved of Astarte") King’s Son of his Body,
his beloved. Mentioned in Abydos.
20
38. Mahiranat. King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in the Ramesseum.
39. Sethemnakhte. King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in the Ramesseum.
40. Geregtawi. ("Peace of the Two Lands") King’s Son of his Body, his beloved.
Mentioned in the Ramesseum.
41. Shepsemiunu. King’s Son of his Body, his beloved. Mentioned in the Ramesseum.
42. Astarte-hir-wenemef. ("Astarte is strong with his arm") King’s Son of his Body, his
beloved. Mentioned in the Ramesseum.
43. Suty King’s Son, mentioned on Ostracon from Cairo.
44. Ramesses-Payotnetjer King’s Son, mentioned on Ostracon from Cairo.
45. Ramesses-Maatptah. ("Born of Re, Who sees Ptah (?)") Known from papyri written
by his servant Meryiotef (Papyrus 366 and 367 from Leiden)
46. Ramesses Neb-weben. This prince was buried in the Fayum in the sarcophagus of his
great-grandfather, the Vizier Paramessu (the later Pharaoh Ramesses I).
47. Ramesses-Userpehty, Bodily King’s Son, beloved of him, divine offspring that came
forth from the divine limbs. This prince is mentioned on a column base and plaque from
Memphis.
48. Ramesses Sethirkhepeshef. ("Born of Re, Seth is strong with his arm") Probably
identical with Prince Amenhirkhepeshef. Mentioned in an ostracon from year 53,
mentioning his wife Nefertari and his son Sety.
49. Sethirkhepeshef
50. Usermaatre: Known from Karnak: Royal Statuary; Schist statue CGC 42,140
21
Courtiers and High Ranking Officials
We also have some information about the officials who served Ramses. Here is a partial
list of people who were responsible for keeping the country running. The officials are
divided into army, government, etc. Some of the sons of Ramses served in official
capacities and have been listed again.
Army Officials
The Sons of Ramesses:
Amenhirwenemef / Amenhikopshef / Sethhirkopshef: Generelissimo, First King’s
Son, Eldest King’s Son. The Eldest son of Ramses and Nefertari. Changed his name early
in the reign, and changed it again (to Sethhikopshef) around year 20. There is some
speculation that he was known as Amenhirkopshef in the north and Sethhikopshef in the
south. He was involved in the correspondence with the Hittites after the peace treaty. He
apparently died around year 25.
Mentuhirkopshef: Master of the Horses, King’s Son of his Body.
Merenptah: Generelissimo, King’s Son of his Body, Eldest King’s Son, Executive at the
22
Head of the Two Lands. Son of Ramses and Isetnofret. Heir to the throne and for all
intent and purpose regent during the last 10 years of his father’s reign. He became
Generalissimo after year 50 and Heir to the throne in year 55
Prehirwenemef: King’s Son of his Body, Master of the Horses, First charioteer of His
Majesty. Son of Ramses and Nefertari. Depicted in the triumph that followed Kadesh.
Ramsesses: First Generalissimo, King’s Son of his Body, Eldest King’s Son. Son of
Ramses and Isetnofret. Heir to the throne from year 25 to year 50. Buried in KV5.
Others:
Amenemonet, Chief of the Medjay, Overseer of the works on the monuments of His
Majesty etc., son of Unnufer, First prophet of Amun, and Isis (Aset) , Chief of the harem
of Amun.
Hatiay, Chief of the Medjay and Chief of Works. Son of the General Urihiya. Part of a
tomb lintel depicts a general Hatiay (Cairo, Egyptian Museum, Temp. No. 28.5.25.1.)
This may be a depiction of Hatiay, son of Urihiya? (Topological bibliography - Reliefs
and Paintings by Malek)
Khay Scribe of commands of the army.
Neb-Re, real [king's scribe], beloved of him, troop-commander and superintendent of
foreign lands. Known from the fortress at Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham
Nekhtmin Chief lieutenant of chariotry, etc. (TT282), son of Pennesuttaui
Panhesi, royal scribe and the great chief of the army. (from a stela at Zawiyet Umm elRakham)
Ramesesnakht , General. Known from statue he dedicated to his father Nasha.
Saroy, Royal Scribe of the offering table of the Lord of the Two Lands, Keeper of the
royal documents in the presence (of the king), Royal Scribe and Guardian of the Mansion
of the Lord of the Two Lands, Cattle Counter in the Estate of Amun, Royal Messenger to
the hill country. Saroy was buried in TT223. Also featured in the tomb is Amenhotep,
also called Huy, who held the title "Scribe of the Offering Table of the Lord of the Two
Lands in the Estate of Amun”
Sebekhotep Great general.
Urihiya, Generallisimo, High Steward, Real King's Scribe, Wive(s): Djama, Tuy(a),
Chantress of Amun.
Urihiya is known to have had at least 3 sons:1. Pehefemnufer, Scribe, Lector Priest. His
sister/wife was named Satnehes.
2. Nebnehehiabsu, Lector Priest; Wife: Tanodjemet (men). They had a son named
Nebenhesu, who became Superintendent of the Harim, and Thuttayefnakht.
3. Yupa, High Steward of the Lord of the Two Lands, Granary Supervisor, Steward in the
Ramesseum in the domain of Amun. He married Nuhety and his son Hatiay became
Chief of Works and Chief of the Medjay.
Yu[pa] Royal scribe, General
23
Court Officials
Harmin Overseer of the royal apartments at Memphis, etc.
Kaemweset, Fan-bearer of the Lord of the Two Lands, and wife Renpeten(t)opet, Royal
sistrum-player of (the statue of) Usermaetre-setepenre (Ramesses II) Montu in the Two
Lands
Paheripedjet , Steward of the Lord of the Two Lands
Yupa, Steward, Overseer of works, Overseer of horses of the Lord of the Two Lands,etc.,
son of Iurokhy.
Government Officials
Viziers
Paser (TT106). Vizier of the South. Paser has a long list of titles and here are a selection
of his titles as recorded on several monuments: Mouth of Nekhen and Prophet of Truth
(maat), Fanbearer on the Right of the King. Festival Leader of Amun. Ruler with the batsceptre in the mansion of Sekhmet. High Priest of “Great-of-Magic” (refers to Neith?).
Chief of Secrets in the mansion of Neith.
Son of Nebneteru called Tenri, High Priest of Amun and sem-priest in the temple of Ptah
and Merytre, Chief of the Harim of Amun. Grandson of Aniy and Naia (parents of
Merytre) Brother: Tatia, Steward of the temple of Maat.
Paser had monuments in Thebes (tomb), Pi-Ramesse, Tanis, Memphis, Abydos,
Medamud.
Hatiay Continued from the reign of Seti I. Hatiay is known from an inscription at Giza.
He is shown with Seti I adoring the Sphinx.
Nebamun, Vizier. Son of Ramose and Sheritre. Listed as a 'brother' on a monument of
the High priest of Osiris Wennufer. This means he was
likely related to Rahotep I, and possibly (more distantly) to Rahotep II.
(Pa)Rahotep (I) Vizier (of the North) and said to be the son of the high priest of Osiris,
To and Maianuy. Mentioned on a monument of the High Priest of Osiris, Wennufer as a
'brother' (could be a cousin instead)
Ramessu Mentioned by Kitchen.
(Pa)Rahotep (II) Fanbearer, High Priest of Re, High Priest of Ptah and Vizier (of the
North). He was the son of the High Priest of Ptah Pahemneter. Listed as 'brother' of the
High Priest of Anhur Minmose. Married to Huneroy, who was Chief of the Harim of
24
Herishef, who was the daughter of Buia called Katnesu, Chief of the Harem of Anhur.
Rahotep (II) may also have been a (distant) relative of Wennufer the High Priest of
Osiris.
Nehy Vizier of the South. Mentioned by Kitchen.
Tuthmose Vizier of the South. Mentioned by Kitchen.
Khay Vizier of the South. Son of Troop Commander Hai and Chantress of Amun
Nubemniut. His wife was called Yam.
Neferrompet, Vizier and High Priest of Ptah. Son of Neferronpet and Qafriati. Married
to the Lady Mutpipu. His son Bakenptah was a God's Father. He seems to have had at
least four daughters: Inuhayet, Taweret'khati, Reset, and Henutmeter.Amenmose Mayor
of Thebes
Viceroy of Nubia
Iuni: Started his career during the reign of Sety I. Became Viceroy of Kush after
Amenemope(t) under Ramesses II.
Heqanakht : Reign of Ramses II. Year 8-24 of Ramesses' reign? Present at the
dedication of the temple at Abu Simbel in year 24.
Huy: He was also Mayor of Tjarw (Pi-Ramses) and Messenger to Hatti. Reign of
Ramses II
Setau: Middle of the reign of Ramses II; The granite lid of his sarcophagus is in the
British Museum. It probably comes from his tomb in Thebes TT289. His wife was
Nefertmut, Songstress of Nekhbet, and his mother was named An, a Songstress of Amun,
Paser II: End of the reign of Ramses II; Son of the First Prophet of Min and Isis named
Minmose.
Other
Panehesy: Overseer of the treasury of the Lord of the Two Lands (statue in the British
Museum),
Sety , Overseer of the treasury of the Lord of the Two Lands.
Siesi : Overseer of the two granaries of Upper and Lower Egypt, General, etc.
Tia and Tia, Overseer of the Treasury, Fanbearer on the right of the king, etc, (husband)
and the King's Noble Sister, Songstress of Amun, Chief of the temple muscicians of Pre
(wife).Tia (the wife) was a sister of Ramses II. She was the daughter of Seti I and Queen
25
Tuy.Daughters: Mutmetjennefer and an unnamed girl.
Tjuneroy, Overseer of works on all monuments of the King, royal scribe, etc. Father:
Paser (I) (Steward of the Temple of Amun), Wife: NashaytBrother: Paser (II) (Overseer
of the builders), Sister: Iineferty.The location of Tjuneroy's tomb is now lost, but slabs
from his tomb are on display in Cairo, and his Canopic jars are in the Brooklyn Museum
(New York).
Urihiya, High Steward, Real King's Scribe, GenerallisimoWive(s): Djama, Tuy(a),
Chantress of Amun.
Urihiya is known to have had at least 3 sons:Pehefemnufer, Nebnehehiabsu, Yupa.
Priesthood
Ramesses and Nefertari worshipping before the barque at Abu Simbel.
(After a drawing by Lepsius.)
High Priests of Amun
Nebneteru Tenry (Chief Prophet of Amun) and Merytre (Chief of the Harem of Amun).
Known from TT 106. This is the tomb of their son Paser, Governor of the Town and
Vizier , Temp Sety I - Ramses II Wife of Paser: Tiy (Chief of the Harem of Amun)
Sons of Paser: Taty (Head of the stable) and Iny
26
Nebwenenef, High priest of Amun, Temp Rameses II. TT 157. Wife: Takhat (Chief of
the Harem of Amun, Songstress of Isis)
Nebwenenef is shown followed by a fan-bearer appearing before Rameses II and
(Merymut) Nefertari in a palace window. Nebwenenef is being appointed as High priest
of Amun (year 1 of Rameses II).
Bekenkhons (I), High priest of Amun, Temp. Ramesses II. (TT35). Parents: Roma (First
and Second Prophet of Amun) and Roma (Singer of Amun). Wife: Mertesger (Chief of
the Harem of Amun)
Unnefer (Wennefer) : temp Rameses II. Known from a family statue (in Copenhagen)
dedicated to him by his son Ameneminet (Head of the Bow, Overseer of Works on all the
monuments of Rameses II, Chief of the Medjay). Father of Unnefer is Minhotep, mother
Maya. This was a particularily powerful family.
Paser: temp Rameses II. From a Griffith Institute statue.
Rama(ray), high priest of Amun, Rameses II - Merenptah. TT 283. Wife: Tamut (name
in niche in court), Tabest (name on stela in Museum in Leiden) On the stela Ramaray is
given the titles: The Prince and Count, the God's Father, clean of hands, Priest of
Kamutef, Overseer of the prophets of all the gods, Third Prophet of Amun, Second
Prophet of Amun, First Prophet of Amun
High Priests of Ptah
Iry-Iry: Time of Ramses II.
Huy: reign of Ramesses II. Possibly from year 2. Shown in year 16 officiating over the
burial of an Apis bull with Khaemwaset and Ramses II.
Pahemnetjer: The sarcophagus of Pahemnetjer is in the British Museum even though the
location of his tomb is not known. It’s presumed to be in Saqqara. Probably followed
Huy. Father of both Didia and Parahotep the younger. Ca year 20 of Ramses II
Didia: Elder son of Pahemnetjer. Brother of the Vizier Parahotep the younger. Ca yr 35
of reign of Ramesses II
Khaemwaset: King’s Son of his Body, Executive at the Head of the Two Lands. Son of
Ramses and Isetnofret. Crown Prince from year 50 to 55. One of the best known sons of
Ramses. Known as one of the first archeologists. He was famous in ancient Egypt, and
later featured as the hero Setne-Khaemwese in a cycle of stories written in the
Late/Ptolemaic times. Khaemwaset became Sem Priest of Ptah in ca year 16 and High
Priest of Ptah in year 45.
Ramesses - Son of Prince Khaemwaset, brother of Hori -served as Sem Priest of Ptah.
Parahotep(II), son of Pahemnetjer. After serving as Vizier, Parahotep also became High
27
Priest of Ptah and High Priest of Re in ca year 55 of Ramses II.
Neferronpet. In year 60 of the reign of Ramses. Likely the same Neferronpet who was
made Southern Vizier in year 50.
Hori: Son of Prince Khaemwaset. Became HPM in year 65/66 of the reign of Ramses.
He continued to serve under his uncle Merneptah.
Other dignitaries in the temple of Ptah
Mose, Treasury Scribe of PtahWife: Mutnofret, Chantress of Bast. Son of huy, the
Treasury Scribe of Ptah and Nubnofret.
Huy is the son of Werel, the daughter (descendant) of Neshi.The tomb records many
generations of litigation about the lands granted to an ancestor named Neshi in the time
of Ahmose.
Ptahmose, High Steward of the temple of Ptah in Memphis, etc. Known from a tomb
relied now in the museum in Leiden.
The relief shows 2 sons and 3 daughters. The names of the daughters look like Nadjet
(??), Merytptah and Ta-sety (??)
Ptahmose, (same as above??), Noble, Count, Sealbearer of the King of Lower Egypt,
Sole Companion, Great Chief in the White Walls (=Memphis), Steward for His Lord,
Wife: Inuhety; His daughters are listed as Inuhety, Nafi, Nofretiye, Tawai, Mutkhati,
Inunehet, and furtehr down on the inscription we see daughters (-in-law?) Tamit,
Merytptah and Nafi.
Sons: Hori, wab priest and temple scribe of Ptah, Usi, God's Father and Chief wab-priest
in the House of Ptah, Iia, Wab Priest of Ptah.
Ptahmose, God's Father of Ptah, Son of Yuyu, God's Father of Ptah and Mutnofret.
Wife: Tamiyet (Takhuru?).
He had a son called Yuyu, Superior Priest of Ptah and a daughter Nafi.
Raia, Chief of Singers in the temple of Ptah. Wife: Mutemwia (Songstress of Amun).
Raia was a contemporary of Paser and Tjuneroy. His tomb is close to that of Paser.
Yuyu, Deputy of the temple of PYuyu, Dtah, wab-priest in front of Ptah.
High Priests of Re
Amenemopet, HP of Re in Heliopolis
Meryatum: High Priest of Re in Heliopolis, King’s Son of his Body, Son of Ramses and
Nefertari. Apparently visited the Sinai during the second decade of his father’s reign. He
served as high priest for about 20 years. He was either buried in the Queens Valley or in
KV5.
Ramesseum
28
Festival of Min depicted at the Ramesseum. Neferatari is show dancing.
(After a drawing by Lepsius.)
Ramesseum
Amenemonet , Chief steward in the Ramesseum in the domain of Amun, etc.
Hati , Scribe of the temple in the domain of Onuris, Steward in the temple of Ramesesmeryamun (Ramesses II)
Hormose, TT-C7 Head guard of the treasury in the Ramesseum, Temp. Ramesses II
Wife: Mutemwia
Khnumemheb, TT26, overseer of the treasury of the Ramesseum in the estate of Amun,
Wife: Mery-Isis.
Penre , Overseer of works in the Ramesseum in the domain of Amun, Chief of
the Medjay
Ptahemwia, Treasurer of the Ramesseum in Memphis, Noble, Sealbearer, Sole
Companion,
Yupa, Steward in the Ramesseum in the domain of Amun, High Steward of the Lord of
the Two Lands, Granary Supervisor. He married Nuhety and his son Hatiay became
Chief of Works and Chief of the Medjay.
Other
Hori , Prophet of Harendotes, son of Unnufer Wnn-nfr , First prophet of Osiris.
Khensmosi, wab-priest in front of Amun, Overseer of works on all monuments of
Amun, and wife Merytmut, Songstress of Amun.
Minmose Overseer of prophets of all the gods of Ta-wer (Abydos), First prophet of
29
Onuris, etc., son of Hori (Hor), First prophet of Onuris, and Inty.
Panehesi , Head of the songstresses of the altar of Amun, Prophet of Amenophis (I)
(TT16), son of Nuy , Songstress of Amun, and wife Ternute, Songstress of Amun at
Karnak
Yuyu, First prophet of Osiris, etc., son of Unnufer, First prophet of Osiris, and Ty,
Songstress of Osiris, Songstress of Isis
30