Ramses II and His Colossal Statues

The video explores the reign of Ramses II, focusing on his monumental statues that symbolize power and authority. These statues, found throughout Egypt, were not only meant to impress the public but also to reinforce the Pharaoh's own belief in his supremacy. The video delves into the dual purpose of these statues, serving both as propaganda and as a personal reminder to Ramses II of his divine status. It highlights the psychological aspect of leadership, where rulers need constant affirmation of their power, a concept still relevant in modern autocracies.

Who was Ramses II?

• A Greek philosopher

• A Roman emperor

• An Egyptian pharaoh

• A Mesopotamian king

What is notable about the statues of Ramses II found throughout Egypt?

• They are made of gold

• They are colossal in size

• They are located only in Thebes

• They depict him as a child

What message do the colossal statues of Ramses II convey?

• The artistic skills of the Egyptians

• The wealth of Egypt

• The power and dominance of the Pharaoh

• The fragility of his power

How might some ancient Egyptians have viewed the statues of Ramses II?

• As a symbol of peace

• As vulgar or irritating

• As a sign of weakness

• As a religious icon

Who was allowed into the inner part of the temple where more statues of Ramses II were located?

• All citizens

• Only those closest to the King

• Priests only

• Foreign visitors

What is one theory about the purpose of the inner statues of Ramses II?

• To serve as a place of worship

• To store treasures

• To remind powerful elites who was in charge

• To intimidate foreign invaders

What is another theory about the purpose of the inner statues of Ramses II?

• To serve as a library

• To impress the gods

• To act as a sundial

• To mark the seasons

What psychological need might the statues of Ramses II fulfill for the Pharaoh himself?

• To commemorate his ancestors

• To educate the public

• To entertain the masses

• To feel preeminent and powerful

Why do we find more pictures of kings and queens in royal palaces?

• To entertain guests

• To convince the monarch of their own power

• To decorate the walls

• To preserve history

What role did the monumental images of pharaohs play in ancient Egypt?

• They were used to mark boundaries

• They were part of religious rituals

• They were used as currency

• They helped convince the Pharaoh of his own heroic power