Abydos King List (Ramesses II)

The Abydos King List, specifically the version associated with Ramesses II, is a royal list of ancient Egyptian pharaohs inscribed on a large granite tablet discovered at Abydos. While multiple Abydos King Lists exist, the one attributed to Ramesses II is particularly significant due to its relative completeness and the period it covers. It's not a chronological listing in the strictest sense; rather, it presents a curated selection of pharaohs deemed important by Ramesses II's scribes, reflecting a particular ideological perspective on Egyptian history. The list itself primarily serves to legitimize Ramesses II's reign by connecting him to a lineage stretching back to the earliest dynasties.

The list features the names and cartouches of numerous pharaohs, spanning from the legendary pre-dynastic rulers to Ramesses II's predecessors. The selection and ordering of these pharaohs is believed to be deliberate, aimed at establishing a continuous and divinely sanctioned royal line. Scholars continue to debate the exact criteria for inclusion and the reasons behind any omissions or rearrangements. The absence of certain rulers, or the placement of others, can offer valuable insights into contemporary political and religious ideology.

Analyzing the Abydos King List (Ramesses II) provides essential information for understanding:

• Royal genealogy and succession: Tracing the perceived lineage of pharaohs helps reconstruct family relationships and power transitions.
• Historical narrative and ideology: The chosen pharaohs and their order reflect the official version of history propagated during Ramesses II's reign.
• Religious beliefs: The list likely reinforces specific religious beliefs about the legitimacy of royal power and divine right.
• Dating and chronology: While not perfectly chronological, the list assists in cross-referencing with other sources for refining the chronological framework of ancient Egyptian history.

Further research is needed to fully understand the nuanced reasons for the specific selection and arrangement of pharaohs in this particular version of the Abydos King List. The list remains an invaluable source for understanding the perspective of Ramesses II and his administration on the history and legitimacy of their reign.