1-157-322 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Relief depicting Rameses capturing and subduing the Hittite enemy. Rameses' reign (1279-1213 BC) saw several expeditions aimed at expanding Egypt's territory both northwards into Palestine and south into Nubia. The Egyptians' northward expansion brought them into conflict with the Hittites, with whom several wars were fought before a peace treaty was concluded in 1258 BC. Rameses' rule was also notable for an upsurge in the rate of temple building.