Ancient site · Luxor
Ramesseum
Ramesses II's temple of millions of years on Thebes' west bank, opposite Luxor, known for its toppled colossus that is linked to Shelley's poem Ozymandias.
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The story
This is the memorial temple, a temple of millions of years, of King Ramesses II, built in the 13th century BC over roughly two decades within the Theban Necropolis on the Nile's west bank. It follows the classic New Kingdom plan: two pylons, each opening onto a courtyard, then a great hypostyle hall that originally held 48 columns around the inner sanctuary. The walls celebrate the king's victories, above all the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. In the first courtyard stood a vast seated statue of the king, of which only fragments of the base and torso survive. Over the centuries Nile floods undermined the foundations, and in the early Christian era the temple was used as a church. The toppled colossus is widely thought to have inspired Shelley's poem Ozymandias, a Greek rendering of the king's throne name. The site forms part of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage property inscribed in 1979.
Good to know
- Its ancient name was the House of Millions of Years of Ramesses II, united with Thebes in the domain of Amun.
- Its walls depict the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, the victory Ramesses II most wanted remembered.
- The great hypostyle hall originally held 48 columns, and many still stand in its central rows.
- The remains of the fallen statue of Ramesses are widely thought to have inspired Shelley's poem Ozymandias.
- The nearby temple of Medinet Habu closely followed the Ramesseum's plan.
Visiting tips
The site is exposed with little shade, so an early-morning visit is best, and about an hour is usually enough. It pairs well with a visit to nearby Medinet Habu. Please check opening hours and ticket prices before visiting, as they can change.