February 22, 1303: The birth of Ramses II - the enslaver of the Israelites (?)

Referred to as Ramesses the Great, there is some debate among Egyptologist as to when Ramses II actually came to power. Some agree his ascension to the throne occurred in 1279 BC,while others claim his coronation was in 1290 BC.
It is known that Ramses II was born in February 22, 1303 BC, a date which is commemorated at the Abu Simbel temple with the rays of the sun penetrating the sanctuary and illuminating the sculptures, each year on this date. 

During his years of reign, Ramses II expanded his kingdom to the south into Nubia and to the north into Canaan, while launching successful campaigns also in Libya at the western border of his empire. The extensive built of Ramesses the Great throughout Egypt and the construction of the new capital city of Pi-Ramesses during his reign (identified with the Biblical city of Ramesses), led researchers to identify him as the Biblical Pharaoh who enslaved the Hebrews.

This assumption contradicts the biblical chronology which according to various calculations puts the story of the exodus between 1478-1312 BC (pre-dating the birth date of Ramses II by 9-175 years). 

Ramses II which was one of Ancient Egypt's most significant kings, died in a relatively old age in his nineties (the exact age is debated between 92 and 99).

Photo: Ramesses II Colossus in Luxor Temple.