The head of Ramses II’s recumbent colossus at Memphis wears the nemes, or striped head cloth, and the royal uraeus serpent of divinity and authority.

Ramses II ruled for 70 years and had 100 children. Egypt paid the price.

The pharaoh left behind a monumental list of accomplishments. But his reluctance to pass the baton ultimately led to his dynasty’s collapse.

The colossus pharaoh

The head of Ramses II’s recumbent colossus at Memphis wears the nemes, or striped head cloth, and the royal uraeus serpent of divinity and authority.
DEA/Scala, Florence
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