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How did Ramses II strengthen peace with the Hittites after the treaty?
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Ramses II
A larger-than-life Ramses II towering over his prisoners and clutching them by the hair. Limestone bas-relief from Memphis, Egypt, 1290–24 bce; in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.
After concluding a peace treaty in his 21st regnal year, Ramses II worked to maintain and strengthen friendly relations with the Hittites through several diplomatic efforts:
- Diplomatic Correspondence: The two nations established a practice of regularly exchanging letters regarding diplomatic matters.1
- Dynastic Marriages: Thirteen years after the treaty, Ramses II solidified the alliance by marrying the eldest daughter of the Hittite king, Hattusilis III. It is also possible that he married a second Hittite princess at a later date.21
- Mutual Cooperation: The treaty itself served as a foundation for peace by including a mutual defense pact against internal rebellion and outside attacks, as well as provisions for the extradition of fugitives.2
These actions helped transform the relationship between the two powers from one of intermittent conflict into a period of stable, friendly ties.1