The Real Name of Pharaoh Ramesses II: An Insight into Ancient Egypt's Monarchs

The pharaoh, Pharaoh Ramesses II, is one of the most prominent rulers in the history of ancient Egypt. Although he is often referred to by his throne name, it is important to understand the significance of his real name as well as the broader context of the ancient Egyptian monarchy.

Unveiling the Real Name

The real name of Pharaoh Ramesses II is actually Ramses or more precisely, Ramesses, followed by his throne name MAATRE SETEPA-RE. The inscriptions on monuments and tombs typically denote him as:

Ramses MEHET-NEBTA

This name, Mehet-Nebtta, is his birth or given name, and it translates to 'One Who loves his mother.' However, this is only his personal name, and to fully understand his status as a pharaoh, we must also consider his official position within the Egyptian hierarchy, as denoted by his throne name.

Pharaoh and Nobility in Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was the central and most powerful figure. Unlike modern interpretations where the word 'king' might carry less weight, the ancient Egyptians never bestowed the title 'king' upon their rulers. Instead, the title 'pharaoh' was used to signify their divine status. Pharaohs were considered to be both human and gods, the direct intermediaries between the Egyptian people and the divine realm.

No Egyptian king was called 'King' as this would be a downgrade or an insult. Pharaoh was their title, and it reflected their godly nature and authority over the land.

Pharaoh in the Exodus Narrative

The biblical account of the Exodus includes a significant but tantalizingly brief reference to the pharaoh. In the Exodus texts, the title 'Pharaoh' is sufficient to convey the ruler's divine and supreme authority, thus indicating that the pharaoh was the ultimate rival of Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews.

There is no specific name given in the Exodus texts. Pharaoh alone was a title that indicated the magnificence and power of the ruler. Therefore, the battle in the Exodus narrative is essentially a clash between Yahweh and the Egyptian pharaoh, representing the ultimate power in the world as it was conceived by the ancient Egyptians.

Identifying the Pharaoh of the Exodus

The identity of the pharaoh in the Exodus narrative remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some scholars have tentatively placed the event in the 13th century BCE, during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period in Egypt. During this time, the three possible pharaohs are Ramses I, Ramses II, and Twosret (a female pharaoh).

While the exact pharaoh of the Exodus is uncertain, the historical context provides valuable insights into the reigns of these kings, who were all part of the powerful and influential 19th Dynasty.

The Pharaoh as a God and Divine Dynasty

Pharaohs were not just mere rulers but were regarded as deities themselves. This belief was deeply ingrained in the Egyptian religious system, which often revolved around triads of gods, similar to those found in Greek and Roman religions. The pharaoh, as the living god, was considered a direct descendant of the gods and held a position of supreme reverence.

The pharaoh was believed to be the living manifestation of a deity and was thus entitled to the divine status. This idea was reinforced by the construction of massive temples and monuments dedicated to them, which were often seen as vehicles for their deification.

Conclusion

Understanding the real name of Pharaoh Ramesses II, along with the complex and divine nature of the ancient Egyptian monarchy, provides a deep appreciation of the role that pharaohs played in Egyptian society. The pharaoh was not merely a king but a divine ruler, bridging the realms of the mortal and the divine. The true name of Ramesses II, combined with his throne name, reflects the complexity and profound significance of his reign.

Moreover, the Exodus narrative underscores how the title 'pharaoh' encapsulated the supreme power and divine authority of Egyptian rulers. The pharaoh of the Exodus remains a mystery, but his identity, should it ever be discovered, would undoubtedly shed new light on this crucial period in the history of ancient Egypt and the Exodus narrative.