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How did Seti I prepare Ramses II to become king?
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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.
To prepare Ramses II for his future role as king, his father, Seti I, took several deliberate steps to ensure a smooth transition of power and to provide his son with essential leadership experience:
- Designation as Successor: Ramses was designated as the crown prince at an unusually young age, a move intended to secure his eventual succession to the throne.12
- Regency and Status: Seti I granted Ramses a special status as regent, providing him with his own kingly household and harem.1
- Military Training: Ramses was appointed as a captain of the army by the age of 10. While this rank may have been honorific at such a young age, it likely included formal military training.1
- Practical Experience: The young prince frequently accompanied his father on military campaigns. This allowed Ramses to gain firsthand experience in warfare and the responsibilities of kingship before he assumed sole rule.1
By integrating Ramses into the administration and military operations of the state during his own lifetime, Seti I ensured that his son was well-prepared to maintain the stability and authority of the New Kingdom.12