Ramesses VI

Procession of the Princes

Early Life

Ramesses VI was the son of Ramesses III, a powerful pharaoh in ancient Egypt. There is a special carving called the "Procession of the Princes" that shows Ramesses VI and his brothers worshipping their father. This carving was made when Ramesses VI was a young prince, and he had a special hairstyle that kids in ancient Egypt wore. When Ramesses VI became king, he added his own names and titles to the carving to show his new role as the ruler. Some people used to think he might be the grandson of Ramesses III, but we now know that he was definitely Ramesses III's son. We also believe that his mother was a queen named Iset Ta-Hemdjert because his name is found in her tomb. This tells us a lot about Ramesses VI's family and how they ruled Egypt. 

Consort & Children

Ramesses VI had a consort, which means he had a wife who was also very important. Her name was Nubkhesbed and she held a special title called "God's Wife of Amun." She helped Ramesses VI with his duties and supported him as a partner. They had several children together, including two sons named Amun-her-khepeshef and Ramessesnakht, and a daughter named Baktwerel. These children were part of the royal family and would have played important roles in the kingdom. Ramesses VI's family was an important part of his life and helped him rule Egypt. 

Koptos stela of Ramesses VI's daughter Iset (to the right)

Reign

Ramesses VI became the ruler after his father, Ramesses III, passed away. During his time as pharaoh, Ramesses VI achieved some notable things and also faced challenges that led to the decline of his rule.


One of the achievements of Ramesses VI was his focus on the construction and restoration of temples. He wanted to make sure the gods were honored and that people could worship them properly. He also worked to maintain Egypt's prosperity by promoting trade with other nations and protecting the country's borders.

However, as his reign progressed, Ramesses VI faced some difficulties. The country experienced economic struggles, and there were issues with corruption and political unrest. These challenges weakened his authority and made it harder for him to govern effectively.

Despite these difficulties, Ramesses VI's reign made important contributions to Egypt's history. His efforts to preserve the temples and maintain trade relations left a lasting impact. However, the decline during his reign shows that even great rulers face challenges that can affect their leadership. 

Tomb of Ramesses VI

Ramesses VI, like many pharaohs of ancient Egypt, had a special tomb where he was buried after his death. His tomb is known as KV9 and it is located in the famous Valley of the Kings.

The tomb KV9 is a fascinating place because it is filled with beautiful paintings and carvings. These decorations show scenes from the pharaoh's life and adventures. They depict Ramesses VI's journey to the afterlife, where he believed he would live forever as a powerful spirit.

Inside the tomb, there are also many different chambers and corridors. Some of these chambers were used for special ceremonies and rituals, while others were where the pharaoh's treasures and belongings were kept. The tomb was designed to be a grand and sacred place to honor Ramesses VI. 

Exploring the tomb KV9 is like going on a journey back in time. It gives us a glimpse into the beliefs and customs of ancient Egyptians, and helps us understand how they honored and remembered their pharaohs even after they were gone. The tomb is an important part of Egypt's history and a testament to the greatness of Ramesses VI. 

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us