Rulers & Emperors · Head-to-head
Tutankhamun vs Ramesses II
No — based on their recorded years, Tutankhamun (c. 1341–1323 BCE) lived before Ramesses II (c. 1303–1213 BCE), and their lifetimes did not overlap.
Tutankhamun
A young Egyptian pharaoh who restored traditional religion after his father's reforms, and whose nearly intact tomb became one of archaeology's greatest discoveries.
Key achievements
- Became pharaoh of Egypt as a child, around age nine
- Restored the traditional polytheistic religion abandoned by his father Akhenaten
- Was buried with an enormous wealth of grave goods, including his famous gold death mask
- Became globally famous after Howard Carter discovered his nearly intact tomb in 1922
Fast fact
Archaeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 largely undisturbed by looters, filled with thousands of treasures including his iconic gold burial mask.
Full profile of Tutankhamun →Ramesses II
Known as Ramesses the Great, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful and celebrated warrior pharaohs.
Key achievements
- Reigned as the third pharaoh of Egypt's Nineteenth Dynasty for 66 years
- Led at least 15 military campaigns during his reign, almost all successful
- Commissioned some of ancient Egypt's most famous monuments, including Abu Simbel
- Negotiated one of history's earliest recorded peace treaties, following the Battle of Kadesh
Fast fact
Ramesses II conducted at least 15 military campaigns, nearly all resulting in victory.
Full profile of Ramesses II →Who lived first, Tutankhamun or Ramesses II?
Tutankhamun (c. 1341–1323 BCE) lived first, before Ramesses II (c. 1303–1213 BCE), based on their recorded years.
Were Tutankhamun and Ramesses II contemporaries?
No — based on their recorded years, Tutankhamun (c. 1341–1323 BCE) lived before Ramesses II (c. 1303–1213 BCE), and their lifetimes did not overlap.
What do Tutankhamun and Ramesses II have in common?
Both Tutankhamun and Ramesses II are grouped among our Rulers & Emperors figures and lived during the Ancient World.