Rameses

The name of several Egyptian kings. The Bible does not mention Rameses by name but the pharaoh referred to in Exodus is thought to be Rameses II or Rameses III.

Rameses II reigned for over 66 years (1290-1224 B.C.). Most of his reign is characterized by conflicts. His defeat by the Hittites in the famous battle at Kadesh affected the hegemony of these two empires over Canaan. Later, Rameses conducted several campaigns in Canaan and along the Phoenician coast in order to reestablish his sovereignty over these areas. He is also famous for his building activities in Egypt among which were the city of Raamses and the temples at Abu Simbel.

Rameses III was closely involved with the Philistine presence in Canaan in the 12th century B.C. His naval and land battles against the invading Sea Peoples, including the Philistines are depicted in wall paintings and reliefs of the time. He ruled c. 1182-1151 B.C. during most of which period he kept parts of Canaan under Egyptian hegemony. Evidence of his activities are found in several Palestinian sites such as Beth Shan, Megiddo and Lachish.