Ramesses II Ascends the Throne

Ramesses II rules for an extraordinary 66 years, during which he builds more temples, erects more statues, and fathers more children than any other pharaoh. His massive building projects at Abu Simbel, Karnak, and throughout Egypt require vast labor forces. Many scholars identify him as the pharaoh of the Exodus, though others point to his predecessor Seti I or his successor Merneptah. Either way, his era is the most likely historical setting for Israel's departure from Egypt.