Ramesses II in hieroglyphs

The third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty, a.k.a. Rameses II, Ramses II

Ramesses II is one of the most recognised pharaohs in Egyptian history, notable for his long reign, diplomatic activity, and the splendour of his monuments. He is most known for the Battle of Kadesh, his extensive construction at Luxor and Abu Simbel, and his colossal statues like the ones at the Ramesseum. The most prolific builder of the kingdom ever saw, his name can be found virtually everywhere a temple has been built. The sheer number and variants of his names has no rival.

Precedessor Seti I Successor Merenptah
Reign of Ramesses II
AE Chronology	1279–1213
v. Beckerath	1279–1213
Shaw	1279–1213
Dodson	1279–1212
Arnold	1290–1224
Malek	1279–1213
Grimal	1279–1212
Redford	1304–1237
Manetho (Josephus)	66y 2m
Manetho (Africanus)	61 years
Manetho (Eusebius)	66 years
Manetho (Jerome)	66 years
Highest attestation	Year 67

The Royal Titulary

From the hieroglyphic records

Horus Ka nakht mery Ra The Dual King User Maat Ra, setep en Ra Son of Ra Ramessu mery Amun

Horus names

The oldest form of the name of a pharaoh, a falcon representing Horus is perched on the palace facade.

Horus name

Ka nakht mery Ra

kꜢ-nḫt mri-rꜤ

The strong bull, beloved of Ra

E1:D40-C2-mr

Place de la Concorde obelisk North right column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H3

Horus name variant A1

Ka nakht mery Ra

kꜢ-nḫt mri-rꜤ

The strong bull, beloved of Ra

E1:D40-ra:1-A40-N36

Place de la Concorde obelisk, West right column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant A2

Ka nakht mery Ra

kꜢ-nḫt mri-rꜤ

The strong bull, beloved of Ra

E1:D40-ra:1-A40-mr-i-i

Luxor obelisk, West left column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII b

Horus name variant A3

Ka nakht mery Ra petpet khasut nebut kher tjebutef

kꜢ-nḫt-mri-rꜤ ptpt-ḫꜢswt-nb(w)t ḫr-ṯbwt.f

Strong bull, beloved of Ra, who has trampled all the foreign countries under his sandals

E1:D40-C2-mr-p*p:t*t:D40

Rhetorical stela (Tanis V, face C)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II 294:10
Petrie, Tanis, II, pl. III (81)

Horus name variant B1

Ka nakht mery Maat

kꜢ-nḫt mri-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, beloved of Maat

E1:D40-C10A-mr

Place de la Concorde obelisk, North center column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant B2

Ka nakht mery Maat

kꜢ-nḫt mri-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, beloved of Maat

E1:D40-Aa11v:t-C10A-N36

Place de la Concorde obelisk, West left column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant B3

Ka nakht mery Maat

kꜢ-nḫt mri-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, beloved of Maat

E1:D40-Aa11v:t-C10A-mr-i-i

Place de la Concorde obelisk, South right column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant B4

Ka nakht mery Maat

kꜢ-nḫt mri-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, beloved of Maat

E1:D40-mr-i-i-Aa11v:t-C10A

Mariette, Abydos, II, pl. 20a (1)

Horus name variant B5

Ka nakht mery Maat neb habu sed mi itef Ptah Tatenen

kꜢ-nḫt mri-mꜢꜤt nb-ḥꜢbw-sd-mi-it.f-ptḥ-tꜢṯnn

The strong bull, beloved of Maat, possessor of Sed festivals like his father Ptah-Tatenen

E1:D40-C10A-mr-nb:O23D-Z3-mi-t:f:Z1:f-p:t-H-C18C

Blessing of Ptah, Karnak Pylon IX (west)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 259:2-4
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H2

Horus name variant C1

Ka nakht sa Amun

kꜢ-nḫt imn-zꜢ

The strong bull, son of Amun

E1:D40-i-mn:n-zA&1

Place de la Concorde obelisk, South left column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant C2

Ka nakht sa Amun

kꜢ-nḫt imn-zꜢ

The strong bull, son of Amun

E1:D40-i-mn:n:H8*1

Luxor obelisk, North right column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII b

Horus name variant C3

Ka nakht sa Atum

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-ttm

The strong bull, son of Atum

E1:D40-zA&1-t:tm

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 501:4

Horus name variant C4

Ka nakht sa Atum

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-itm

The strong bull, son of Atum

E1:D40-zA-t:tm

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VII (44)

Horus name variant C5

Ka nakht sa Atum

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-itm

The strong bull, son of Atum

E1:D40-t:tm-H8:Z1

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 424:3 (1)
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography IV, 20 (163)
Petrie, Tanis, I, plate XI (60)

Horus name variant C6

Ka nakht sa Tatenen

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-ṯꜢ-tnn

The strong bull, son of Tatenen

E1:D40-C18C-H8:1

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 501:8

Horus name variant C7

Ka nakht sa Ptah

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-ptḥ

The strong bull, son of Ptah

E1:D40-C20-H8:1

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VII (46)

Horus name variant C8

Ka nakht sa Ptah

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-ptḥ

The strong bull, son of Ptah

E1:D40-C12-H8:1

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VI (43 B)

Horus name variant C9

Ka nakht sa Ptah

kꜢ-nḫt zꜢ-ptḥ

The strong bull, son of Ptah

E1:D40-p:t-H-H8:Z1

Petrie, Tanis, I, pl. IX (52), pl. VI (43 B)

Horus name variant D1

Ka nakht user pehty

kꜢ-nḫt wsr-pḥty

The strong bull, strong of might

E1:D40-wsr-F9:F9

Place de la Concorde obelisk, North left column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant D2

Ka nakht user pehty

kꜢ-nḫt wsr-pḥti

The strong bull, strong of might

E1:D40-wsr-s-F9:F9

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VIII (50)

Horus name variant D3

Ka nakht wer pehty

kꜢ-nḫt wr-pḥty

The strong bull, great of might

E1:D40-wr:r-F9:F9

Place de la Concorde obelisk, West center column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant D4

Ka nakht wer pehty

kꜢ-nḫt wr-pḥti

The strong bull, great of might

E1:D40-wr:F9*F9

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 424/3 (2)
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , IV, 20 (163)
Petrie, Tanis, I, plate XI (60)

Horus name variant E1

Ka nakht mery user maat Ra

kꜢ-nḫt mri wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ

–

E1:D40-C177-mr

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 405 (152A)
Petrie Hyksos and Israelite cities, plates XXIX-XXX

Horus name variant E2

Ka nakht mery user maat Ra

kꜢ-nḫt mri wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ

–

E1:D40-C177-N36

Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 152g

Horus name variant F

Ka nakht mery Ptah

kꜢ-nḫt mri-ptḥ

The strong bull, beloved of Ptah

E1:D40-p:t-H-mr

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VII (45)

Horus name variant G

Ka nakht mek Kemet

kꜢ-nḫt mk-kmt

The strong bull, protector of Egypt

E1:D40-G20-k:S32:t*O49

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 20a (2)

Horus name variant H

Ka en sekhem Ra

kꜢ-n-sḫm-rꜤ

The powerful bull of Ra

E1:n-C2A-sxm

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VII (47)

Horus name variant I1

Ka nakht wer habu sed mery tawy

kꜢ-nḫt wr-ḥꜢbw-sd mri-tꜢwi

The Strong bull, great of Sed festivals and beloved of the Two Lands

E1:D40-wr:r-O23K:Z2-N36:N17:N17:N21*N21

Place de la Concorde obelisk, East right column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant I2

Ka nakht wer hebu sed

kꜢ-nḫt wr-ḥb-sd-3

The Strong bull, great of Sed festivals

E1:D40-wr:O23-Z2A

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 501:3

Horus name variant I3

Wer habu sed mi Tatenen

wr-ḥꜢbw(-sd)-mi-tꜢtnn

Great of Sed festivals like Tatenen

wr:r-O23P-1:2-mi-C18C

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , III, 111 (65)
University Museum of Philadelphia E 13566
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H26

Horus name variant J1

Ka nakht aha her khepeshef

kꜢ-nḫt wr-nḫtw ꜤḥꜢ-ḥr-ḫpš.f

The strong bull, who has fought with his strong arm

E1:D40-wr:r-n:xt:x*t-Z2:D40-D34-D2-xpS:f

Place de la Concorde obelisk, East left column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant J2

Ka nakht aha her khepeshef

kꜢ-nḫt ꜤḥꜢ-ḥr-ḫpš.f

The strong bull, who has fought with his strong arm

E1:D40-D34-D2:Z1-xpS:D40:f

Place de la Concorde obelisk, South center column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant K

Ka nakht tjes tawy

kꜢ-nḫt ṯz-tꜢwi

The strong bull, who has governed the Two Lands

E1:D40-Tz:z:D40-N17:N17:N21*N21

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 420:9
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H20

Horus name variant L

Ka nakht sedj setjetu

kꜢ-nḫt sḏ-sṯtiw

The strong bull, who shattered the Asiatics

E1:D40-s-d:N21*Z9:D40-S22:t*t-G4&Z2

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 605:15
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H24

Horus name variant M1

Ka nakht kheper netjer

kꜢ-nḫt ḫpr-r-nṯr

–

E1:D40-xpr:r-A40:1

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VIII (50)

Horus name variant M2

Ka nakht kheper sa netjer

kꜢ-nḫt ḫpr-sꜢ-nṯr

–

E1:D40-xpr:H8-A40

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 424:5 (1)
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , IV, 20 (163)

Horus name variant N1

Ka nakht user Maat

kꜢ-nḫt wsr-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, strong of Maat

E1:D40-wsr-C10A

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 20 g

Horus name variant N2

Ka nakht user khepesh

kꜢ-nḫt wsr-ḫpš

The strong bull, strong with sword

E1:D40-wsr-T16A

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 20 d (3)

Horus name variant N3

Ka nakht user renput

kꜢ-nḫt wsr-rnpwt

The strong bull, rich in years

E1:D40-wsr-rnp-t:3

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 20 b (2)

Horus name variant N4

Ka nakht user renput Hefenu

kꜢ-nḫt wsr-rnpt ḥfnw

The strong bull rich in immesureable years

E1:D40-wsr-s-rnp-rnp-rnp-I8A-I8A-I8A

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 19 d

Horus name variant O

Ka nakht aa remu

kꜢ-nḫt ꜤꜢꜤ-rm-3

–

E1:D40-aA:a:H4*3

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 501:7

Horus name variant P

Ka nakht hui ta neb

kꜢ-nḫt ḥwi-tꜢ-nb

–

E1:D40-H-A24-N17:nb

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 424:6 (2)
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , IV, 20 (163)

Horus name variant Q

Ka nakht aa shefyt

kꜢ-nḫt ꜤꜢ-šfit

The strong bull, great of majesty

E1:D40-aA:F7-t:3

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 424/5 (2)
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , IV, 20 (163)

Horus name variant R1

Ka nakht hai her Maat

kꜢ-nḫt hꜤi-ḥr-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, who rejoiced Maat

E1:D40-H-a:y-D2-C10A

Headless statue of Ramesses II (Cairo museum JE 36652, CG 42140)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 586:9

Horus name variant R2

Ka nakht wetjes Maat

kꜢ-nḫt wṯz-mꜢꜤt

The strong bull, who has upheld Maat

E1:D40-U39-C10

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 20 c (3)

Horus name variant S

Ka nakht em Ra sedjes tjetaw

kꜢ-nḫt m-rꜤ sḏ-sṯtiw

–

E1:D40-n:(ra:Z1)*A40-s-d:N21*Z9:D40-S22-t*G4*t:Z2

Place de la Concorde obelisk, East center column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII a

Horus name variant T

Ka nakht sekhem pehty

kꜢ-nḫt sḫm-pḥti-nḫt

The strong bull, powerful of might

E1:D40-S42-F9*F9:D40

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 409:9
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H9

Horus name variant U

Ka nakht men ib sekhem pehty

kꜢ-nḫt mn-ib sḫm-pḥti

The strong bull, decisive and mighty

E1:D40-mn:n:Y1-ib:Z1-sxm-F9*F9:t*t:D40

Luxor obelisk, West center column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII b

Horus name variant V

Ka nakht qa hedjet

kꜢ-nḫt ḳꜢi-ḥḏt

The strong bull, whose White Crown is high

E1:D40-q-A28-S1

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 424:6 (1)
Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , IV, 20 (163)

Horus name variant W

Ka nakht seqa Waset

kꜢ-nḫt sḳꜢi-wꜢst

The strong bull, who has elevated Thebes

E1:D40-s-q-A28-R19

Luxor obelisk, North center column
Rosellini, I Monumenti dell' Egitto e della Nubia, IV-1, plate CXVII b

Horus name variant X

Ka nakht seped abwy

kꜢ-nḫt spd-Ꜥbwi

The sharp-horned strong bull

E1:D40-M44-F16:F16

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VII (45)
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:H17

Horus name variant Y

Ka en heqau mery Amun

kꜢ-n-ḥḳꜢw mri-imn

The strong bull of the rulers, beloved of Amun

E1:n-HqA-HqA-HqA-C12C-mr

Petrie, Tanis, I, plate VIII (48)

Horus name variant Z

Ka nakht waf khasut

kꜤ-nḫt wꜢf-ḫꜢswt

Strong bull, who has subdued the foreign lands

E1:D40-G45:f-D206:N25:t*Z2

Abu Simbel blessing of Ptah stela
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 259:11

Nebty names

The “Two Ladies”, the goddesses Nekhbet and Wadjet, representing Upper and Lower Egypt respectively.

Nebty name

Mek Kemet waf khasut

mk-kmt wꜤf-ḫꜢswt

Protector of Egypt who curbs foreign lands

G20-k:I6-t:O49-G45-f:W:D40-N25:t*Z2

Passim
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:N1

Nebty name variant A1

Mek Kemet waf khasut Ra mes netjer gereg tawy

mk-kmt wꜤf-ḫꜢswt rꜤ-msi-nṯrw grg-tꜢwi

Protector of Egypt, who has subdued foreign lands, Ra whom the gods have borne, the founder of the Two Lands

Aa15:a:k-I6:t*O49-G45-f:D40-N25:t*Z2-C2-ms-s-nTrw-g:r-U17:Y1-N17:N17:N21*N21

Passim
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:N2

Nebty name variant A2

Mek Kemet, waf khasut

mk kmt wꜤf ḫꜢswt

Protector of Egypt, who has subdued foreign lands

G20-k:I6-t:O49-G45-f:D40-N25:N25:N25

Luxor obelisk, South face marginal
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions II, 600:10

Nebty name variant B

Shesep netjeren Khepri

šzp-nṯri-n-ḫpri

The divine image of Khepri

s-O42B:p-A53-nTr-t:r:Z4-Y1:n-xpr:r-A41

Headless statue of Ramesses II (Cairo museum JE 36652, CG 42140)
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:N3

Nebty name variant C

Wer shefit mek Kemet

wr-šfiy.t mk-kmt

Great of majesty, the Protector of Egypt

wr:r-F7:t-G20-k:I6-t:O49

Luxor Obelisk (west face)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 599:5
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:N4

Nebty name variant D

Hai her Maat mi Akhty

ḥꜤi-ḥr-mꜢꜤt-mi-Ꜣḫti

Who has rejoiced in Maat like Horakhty

V71-A28-Y1v-D2:t-Aa11v:t-mAat-mi-N27:t*Z4:O1*O1

Luxor Obelisk (south face)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 599:8
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:N6

Nebty name variant E

Semenekh menu em Ipet-resyt en itef imen di su her nesetef

smnḫ mnw m ipt-rsy(t) n it.f imn di sw ḥr nst.f

Who has made monuments splendid in Ipet-Resyt for his father Amun who put him on the throne

s-mn:n:x*mnx:mDAt-mn:nw*nw*nw:Aa15-O45:O1-M24-t:1-n:t:f-i-mn:n-X8-sw-w-(Hr:t-g:O1):f

Luxor pylon
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 605:11
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:N5

Nebty name variant F

Aha en hehu, mai sekhem-ib

ꜤḥꜢ n ḥḥw mꜢi sḫm-ib

Who has fought for millions, a stout-hearted lion

D34-D40:n-C11-1:3-E22-sxm-m&ib

Luxor obelisk, East face, center
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 602:15
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:N7

Nebty name variant G

Aha her khepeshef, mek meshauef

ꜤḥꜢ ḥr ḫpš.f mk mšꜤw.f

Who has fought with his strong arm, the protector of his armies

D34-D40:D2*Z1-xpS:D40:f-Aa15:a:k-A12*Z3:f

Luxor pylon, east wing, north facade
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 605:15
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:N8

Nebty name variant H

Sekher pehu su in pehwy ta

sḫr pḥw sw in pḥwy tꜢ

Who has felled those who attacked him and who has captured the ends of the earth

s-x:A15:D40-F22:D54-sw-W25-n:F22-W*Z4:N17

Place de la Concorde obelisk, South face, center
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 603:2
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:N9

Golden Horus names

Horus perched on Gold, which was associated with eternity, but its meaning is disputed.

Golden Horus name

User renput aa nehktu

wsr-rnpwt ꜤꜢ-nḫtw

Rich in years, great in victories

wsr-s-rnp-rnp-rnp-aA:D40:Z2

Passim
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G1a

Golden Horus name variant A1

User renput aa nakhtu

wsr-rnpwt ꜤꜢ-nḫtw

Rich in years, great in victories

wsr-s-rnp:I8A-rnp:I8A-rnp:I8A-aA:a:Y1-n:M3:x*t-G248:Z2

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 5 below
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:G1b

Golden Horus name variant A2

User renput aa nakhtu

wsr-rnpwt ꜤꜢ-nḫtw

Rich in years, great in victories

wsr-s-rnp-rnp-rnp-aA:a:Y1-n:xt:x*t-D40:t*Z2

Luxor pylon IV East wing, South face
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions II 352:11

Golden Horus name variant A3

User renput, aa nesyt mi itemu, ity, mes netjeru, sekheper tawy

wsr-rnpwt ꜤꜢ-nsyt mi itmw ity ms nṯrw sḫpr tꜢwy

Rich in years and great of kingship like Atum, the sovereign whom the gods fashioned, the one who has fostered the Two Lands

wsr-s-M4-M4-M4-O29v-sw-i-i-t:3-W19-i-t:U15:M-A304-i-ti-i-i-A23A-ms-s-A17-R8-A40:3-s-xpr:r-wAD-wAD

Karnak Temple of Amun, girdle wall
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions II 583:4

Golden Horus name variant B1

User khepesh mery tawy

wsr-ḫpš mri-tꜢwi

Strong of might, beloved of the Two Lands

F12-F23:N36:N17:N17

Luxor obelisk, south face
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 599:8
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G3

Golden Horus name variant B2

User khepesh, mery tawy

wsr-ḫpš mry tꜢwy

Strong of might, beloved of the Two Lands

wsr-x*p:N37:F24-N36:N17:N17:N21*N21

Luxor pylon IV East wing, South face (upper)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions 352:13

Golden Horus name variant B3

User khepesh

wsr-ḫpš

Strong of might

wsr-x*p:N37:T16

Derr temple, Nubia
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions II, 740:6

Golden Horus name variant B3

Aa khepesh mery tawy

ꜤꜢ-ḫpš mri-tꜢwi

Great of effectiveness, beloved of the Two Lands

aA:xpS-mr-i-i-N17:N17:N21*N21

Headless statue of Ramesses II (Cairo museum JE 36652, CG 42140)
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 586:10
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 152-153, 3:G2

Golden Horus name variant C

Wekha mi imy Waset

wḫꜢ mi-imi-wꜢst

A pillar, like the one who is in Thebes

R16-mi-Z11-R19-A40

Luxor obelisk north center column
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 599:3
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G4

Golden Horus name variant D

Hehy akhut en mes su

ḥḥ-Ꜣḫwt-n-msi-sw

Who seeks benefits for the one who bore him

H-H-y:D54-t&G25&x:Z2-N-ms-s-s

Luxor pylon, west wing
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 605:12
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G5

Golden Horus name variant E

Sekhem khepesh der pedjut 9

sḫm-ḫpš dr-pḏt-9

The powerful of arm, who has repelled the Nine Bows

sxm-Aa15:D40:xpS-d:r:D40-pD:t*3:3*3

Luxor pylon, west wing
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 605:15-16
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G6

Golden Horus name variant F

Wer nakhtu her khaset nebet

wr-nḫtw-ḥr-ḫꜢst-nbt

Great of victories in every foreign country

wr:r-n:M3-G248-x:Z2-D2:Z1-N25:nb:t

Place de la Concorde obelisk, east center column
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 602:16
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G7

Golden Horus name variant G

Wer fawet sekhem pehty

wr-fꜢwt sḫm-pḥti

Great of splendor and powerful of strength

wr:r:f-F40&W-t:3-sxm-F9*F9:D40

Luxor obelisk, east center column
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 603:2-3
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G8

Golden Horus name variant H1

Waf khasut der beshtu

wꜢf-ḫꜢswt dr-bšṯw

Who has subdued foreign countries and repelled the rebellious ones

G45-f:W:D40-N25:t*Z2-d:r:D40-b-N37:t*W-A14:Z2

Luxor obelisk west center column
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 599:5-6
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:G9

Golden Horus name variant H2

Waf beshtu

wꜤf-bštw

Who has subdued the rebellious ones

G45:f-b-N37:t*A14A

Derr temple, Nubia
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions II 740:2

Throne names

Announced at the coronation and always written in a cartouche. The “official” name of the pharaoh. Also known as the Prenomen.

Throne name

User Maat Ra, setep en Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ stp.n-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, chosen of Ra

ra-wsr-C10A-stp&n&ra

Saqqara Canon no. 1
Passim
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T9

Throne name variant A1

User Maat Ra, setep en Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ stp-n-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, chosen of Ra

ra-C177-stp&n&ra

Abu Simbel
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 159.185ff

Throne name variant A2

User Maat Ra, setep en Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ stp-n-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, chosen of Ra

ra-wsr-H6-stp&n&ra

ASAE , 9, 75
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T10

Throne name variant A3

User Maat Ra, setep en Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ stp-n-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, chosen of Ra

C59A-stp&n&ra

Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 190
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T15

Throne name variant B1

User Maat Ra, tit Ra

esr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ tit-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, the (very) image of Ra

N5-C178-N5:D17

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , I, 82:15
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 175d

Throne name variant B2

User Maat Ra, tit Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ tit-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, the (very) image of Ra

ra-C178-ra:D17&t

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , I, 85:2
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 175a
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T5

Throne name variant C1

User Maat Ra, neb khepesh

The justice of Ra is powerful, posessor of a strong arm/sword

ra-wsr-C10A-nb:xpS

CG 42143
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T12

Throne name variant C2

User Maat Ra, neb khepesh

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ nb-ḫpš

The justice of Ra is powerful, posessor of a strong arm/sword

ra-wsr-C10A-z:nb-xpS

CG 42142
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T13

Throne name variant D

User Maat Ra, heqa Waset

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ ḥḳꜢ-wꜢst

The justice of Ra is powerful, ruler of Thebes

ra-C178-HqA-q-R19

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , I, 89:14
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 175a

Throne name variant E

User Maat Ra, iwa Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ iwꜢ-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, the heir of Ra

ra-C178C-ra:iwa

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , I, 90:10
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 175a
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T7

Throne name variant F

User Maat Ra, mery Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ mri-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful, beloved of Ra

ra-C178-ra*Z1:U7

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , I, 91:1
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 175a
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T8

Throne name variant G1

User Maat Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful

ra-wsr-C10A-z

Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , VII, 26
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 717 (F)
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 177
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T1

Throne name variant G2

User Maat Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful

ra-wsr-s-C10A

Porter & Moss, Topographical Bibliography , VII, 16
Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 717 (E)
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 177a+e (top)
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T2

Throne name variant G3

User Maat Ra

wsr-mꜢꜤt-rꜤ

The justice of Ra is powerful

ra-C178

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , I, 82 (B)
Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 175d
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:T4

Birth names

Personal name given at birth. Also known as the Nomen.

Birth name

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

i-mn:n:N36-ra:Z1-ms-s-sw

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 337
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E2

Birth name variant A1

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

C59\-C12I-N36:ms*s*s

Lepsius, Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien, III, 190
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E1

Birth name variant A2

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

i-mn:n:N36-C2-ms-s-sw

Passim
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E3

Birth name variant A3

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

ra-i-mn:n:U7-ms*s-sw

Gardiner, The Inscriptions of Sinai, I, plate 70 (212)
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E4

Birth name variant A4

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

ra-C12-ms-s-s-mr

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 337
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E5

Birth name variant A5

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

i-mn:n:N36-C2A-ms*s:z

Passim
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E6

Birth name variant A6

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

ra-i-mn:n:N36-ms-s-s

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 151
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E7

Birth name variant A7

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

mr\-C12\-C2-ms-s-sw

ASAE , 38, 217
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E8

Birth name variant A8

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

i-mn:n:N36-C2A-ms-z:z

Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions , II, 10
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 154-155, 3:E9

Birth name variant A9

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

C12\-C2-N36-ms-s-sw

Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 58, 177
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 156-157, 3:E10

Birth name variant A10

Ramessu mery Amun

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun

C177:N36-(ra:Z1)*ms*s:z

Mariette, Abydos, II, plate 19 d
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 156-157, 3:E17

Birth name variant B1

Ramessu mery Amun, netjer heqa Iunu

rꜤ-msi-se mri-imn nṯr-ḥḳꜢ-iwnw

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun, divine ruler of Heliopolis

C12\-C2-N36-ms:z-HqA-nTr-iwn

CG 38429-30
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 156-157, 3:E12

Birth name variant B2

Ramessu mery Amun, netjer heqa Iunu

rꜤ-msi-se mri-imn nṯr-ḥḳꜢ-iwnw

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun, divine ruler of Heliopolis

C12\-C2-N36-ms-nTr-HqA-iwn-z:z

ZÄS , 70, 47
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 156-157, 3:E13

Birth name variant C

Ramessu mery Amun, merut mi Atum

rꜤ-msi-se mri-imn mrwti-mi-itm

Ramesses, the beloved one of Amun, like Atum

C12\-C2-N36-ms-s-sw-U7:r:t*Z4-mi-C98B

ASAE , 5, 114
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 156-157, 3:E15

Birth name variant D

Ramessu mery Amun, wer menu

rꜤ-msi-sw mri-imn we-mnw

Ramesses (Ra has fashioned him), beloved of Amun, great of monuments

mr\-C12\-C2-ms-s-sw-wr:mn:nw*nw*nw

Petrie, Tanis, I, pl. 5
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 156-157, 3:E16

The sources of antiquity

From the writings of the historians and scholars of antiquity

Author	Greek	Transcription	Reign
Africanus _{xix, 2}	Ραψακης	Rapsaces	61 years
Eusebius _{xix, 2}	Ραμψης	Rampses	66 years
Jerome		Ramses	66 years
Josephus ₉₇	Aρμεσσης Μιαμουν	Armesses Miamun	66 years, 2 months
Diodorus _1.47.4	Οσυμανδυας	Osymandyas

Bibliography

Gauthier, H. Le livre des rois d'Égypte. MIFAO 19 (1913): 33–113
Beckerath, J., 1999. “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, Second edition, MÄS 49: 152–157
Leprohon, R. J., 2013. The Great Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary. Atlanta: 114–120
Baker. D. D., 2008. The Encyclopedia of the Pharaohs: Volume I. London: 308–312

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