The founder of one of the most powerful dynasties in Egypt was not even royal born. He was the military commander for Horemheb, the last king of the 18th Dynasty. Near the end of his reign, Horemheb made the commander, whose name was Paremessu, the designated heir. He was at least an informal co-regent. When he ascended the throne, he changed his name to Ramesses.

Ramesses, in addition to being commander and vizier to Horemheb, was "Primate of Egypt", which was the high priest of Amun in charge of the temples.

Despite the fact that he reigned for only two years, he did much to return stability to the egyptian government. He reopened trade routes with the Sinai, and led at least one military campaign into western Asia. He, like nearly every pharaoh in the 18th Dynasty, added to the giant, sprawling temple of Amun at Karnak, where he added to the decorations of the second pylon.

Ramesses I was succeeded by his son, Seti I. Seti was an accomplished military leader by the time he acceded to the throne, which means that Ramesses was middle-aged when he took the throne, with grown children of his own.

He is buried in a small tomb, KV 16, in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb, like all the others, was looted and vandalized. His mummy was moved to the royal cache at Deir el-Bahari by the priests of the 20th Dynasty for safekeeping.

The mummy of Ramesses I may have been discovered in the Niagara Falls Museum and Daredevil Hall of Fame in 1999. Considering that until early in the last century, it was possible to return from a vacation in Egypt with a mummy as a souvenir, it is definitely possible that the mummy is that of the king.

Links

Ramesses I
Seti I
Ramesses II
Merneptah
Amenmesse
Seti II
Siptah
Tawosret
Bay

Dynasty 1

Temple at Abydos
Tomb KV 16, Valley of the Kings
Tomb of Queen Sit-Re, Valley of the Queens