Ramesses II defends his borders.
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In the early years of his reign, Ramesses focussed on home defence. His army established new forts at remote locations along the western Delta and Mediterranean Coast (Marmarica). Traces of this work can be found at famous locations like el-Alamein, Mersa Matruh, and Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham, the latter of which has been the object of detailed excavation in recent decades. Apparently, Ramesses was fortifying his frontiers, guarding the western approaches to Egypt.
Soon after, the pharaoh went forth on campaign. His target? The cities of Canaan and Amurru, in modern-day Lebanon. Along the way, he left inscriptions at Nahr el-Kalb, which started a surprisingly long-lived tradition…
Music: “War” by Ancient Lyric (commissioned by The History of Egypt Podcast).
FRONTIER FORTS
- Steven Snape, Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham: https://youtu.be/xQ1QelBxYiU
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- James Hoffmeier, Tell el-Borg: https://youtu.be/II76dKqKe1E
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Bibliography
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