Richard AmmonA huge temple built by Ramses II to honor himself.
He ruled for 66 years from 1279-1213 BC (19th dynasty).
The Ramesseum temple was intended to impress Ramses’ subjects but eventually fell into ruin .
The major artifact here is a huge seated Ramses statue,
but an earthquake toppled the colossus in centuries past (photos 7-12).
Were it still standing, Ramses would tower 18 metres (54′) above the ground.
The English poet P.B. Shelley wrote his satirical poem ‘Ozymandius’
(which mocks Ozy’s vanity of fame and power) in the early 19c after visiting this site.
Ironically his sarcastic poem has enhanced the Ramesseum as a popular tourist venue.
