how did ramses 2 die

2 min read 06-03-2025

Ramses II, the third pharaoh of Egypt's Nineteenth Dynasty, reigned for an astonishing 67 years. His long life and impactful rule have cemented his place as one of the most famous pharaohs. Yet, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in some mystery. While we don't have a definitive answer, let's explore the current leading theories surrounding how Ramses II died.

The Evidence: A Multifaceted Puzzle

Unfortunately, no contemporaneous accounts detail Ramses II's final moments. The information we have comes from later sources and the analysis of his remarkably well-preserved mummy. This analysis provides clues, but not a clear narrative.

Physical Examination of the Mummy

Examination of Ramses II's mummy revealed several intriguing details:

Advanced Age: His advanced age itself was a significant factor. Living to around 90 years old in ancient Egypt was exceptional. The wear and tear on his body, reflecting a long life, was evident.
Arthritis: Severe arthritis affected his joints, suggesting mobility issues in his later years. This certainly impacted his daily life and overall health.
Dental Issues: Significant dental problems were noted. While not directly causing death, they would have contributed to discomfort and potential infections.

These factors, while important, don't explain the exact cause of death. Further investigation added another layer of complexity.

A Modern Medical Perspective

In the 1970s, Ramses II's mummy underwent a remarkable modern medical examination. French scientists, working on the preservation of the mummy, discovered something unexpected. The level of preservation allowed for extensive testing including microscopic analysis and x-rays. This scientific analysis revealed that the advanced state of arteriosclerosis—hardening of the arteries—was likely a significant contributing factor to his death. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that he may have also suffered from a mild form of atherosclerosis.

The Leading Theories: Natural Causes or Something More?

Based on the evidence, several leading theories attempt to explain Ramses II's death:

Natural Causes Due to Old Age: Given his advanced age and the degenerative conditions discovered in his mummy, many researchers believe that Ramses II died of natural causes. The combination of age-related ailments, including severe arthritis and cardiovascular issues, would have gradually weakened him.
Infectious Disease: While the mummy shows no clear evidence of an acute infection at the time of death, the possibility of a severe infection contributing to his demise can't be entirely ruled out. Infections were common in ancient times and could exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
Complications from Injury: Although no significant injuries were directly evident on the mummy, the possibility of a prior injury contributing to his later health decline remains.

The Mystery Remains

Despite the extensive research, the precise cause of Ramses II's death remains a topic of debate. The lack of contemporary records, coupled with the limitations of ancient medical knowledge, leaves room for interpretation. The remarkable discovery of the pharaoh's mummy allows us to get closer to understanding this great pharaoh's life and death, yet the exact circumstances that ended this great reign remain a compelling mystery.

Further Research and Ongoing Studies

The ongoing study of ancient Egyptian mummies, combined with advancing medical technologies, might one day reveal more specific information. Perhaps future analyses will be able to provide a more conclusive answer to this intriguing historical question. The legacy of Ramses II remains powerful and continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists. The mystery surrounding his death merely adds to the allure of this powerful figure from Egypt's past.