Unveiling the Mummy: Secrets of Ramesses II Era Revealed | Odyssey - Ancient History

Update: What was first believed to be a depiction of Pharaoh Ramses II is now more likely thought to be King Psammetich I. | National Geographic

Ramesses II had over 200 wives. Most of them never even met him. They lived in his palace. They ate his food. They carried his name. But some went their entire lives without once seeing his face. They were teenagers sent from foreign kingdoms as living peace treaties. They arrived in Egypt, got a new name, got placed in a compound, and that was it. That was the rest of their life. But the women who DID get close to him? That's where it gets insane. His first wife, Nefertari, could read and write