Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt (jan 1, 1292 BC – jan 1, 1189 BC)

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The Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Ramessid dynasty, lasted from 1292 BC to 1189 BC, marking the second dynasty of the New Kingdom period. This era, along with the 20th Dynasty, is part of the Ramesside period, notable for its major pharaohs like Seti I and Ramesses II ("The Great"), who asserted Egypt's power through military campaigns against the Libyans and the Hittites.

Founded by Ramesses I, designated by his predecessor Horemheb, this dynasty experienced its peak during the reigns of Seti I and his son Ramesses II. Seti I managed to capture Kadesh but eventually ceded it to the Hittites in a peace treaty. Ramesses II later engaged in the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, initially facing defeat but managing to stabilize the situation through allied reinforcements. Despite his vigorous military campaigns, he concluded that continued conflict with the Hittites was unsustainable, leading to the signing of the world's earliest known peace treaty with Hattusili III, the Hittite king, further solidifying improved relations through marriages with Hittite princesses.

The latter part of the dynasty saw decline due to internal strife and succession conflicts, particularly involving Amenmesse who usurped the throne from Merneptah’s son, Seti II. After regaining control, Seti II's rule saw the rise of influential figures like Chancellor Bay and his chief wife, Twosret, both of whom became powerful but controversial figures in Egyptian folklore. The dynasty concluded with Twosret's fall from power, which led to Setnakhte founding the subsequent 20th Dynasty.

Significant pharaohs from this dynasty, including the founders and their successors, were predominantly buried in the Valley of the Kings, with their tombs mapped and detailed in various archaeological projects.

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