Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why did Ramses II marry Hittite princesses?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
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.
Ramses II married Hittite princesses to further cement the peace treaty established between Egypt and the Hittite Empire in 1258 BCE.12
Following years of stalemate and intermittent hostilities, the two nations concluded this agreement to end their conflict. The treaty, which was signed in the 21st year of Ramses II's reign, included provisions for a mutual alliance against outside attacks and internal rebellions, as well as the extradition of fugitives. The marriage to the Hittite king's daughter, which occurred 13 years after the treaty was drafted, served as a diplomatic gesture to solidify these friendly ties between the two great powers.132