1-153-252 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Cartouche for Rameses II, Ancient Egyptian, 19th Dynasty, c1279-1212 BC. Cartouche from the Temple of Ramses, Abydos. In Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script, cartouches were elliptical symbols which enclosed a royal name, in this case the pharaoh Rameses II (ruled 1279-1213 BC). Rameses' reign was notable for an upsurge in the rate of temple building.