Revealing the face of Ramesses II through computed tomography, digital 3D facial reconstruction and computer-generated Imagery

Abstract

King Ramesses II (c. 1279 BCE – 1213 BCE), also known as Ramesses the Great, was the third ruler of the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt. He lived to around 90 years of age and is considered as one of the most powerful rulers of ancient Egypt. From scientific analysis of the mummified remains of the pharaoh using Computed Tomography (CT) scan data and scrutiny of available historical records, 3D facial depictions of the Pharaoh at two different ages were produced: one at 90 years old (age of death) and one at age 45 years when he was at the peak of his military activities. This article discusses the methods and decisions involved in the creation of these facial depictions.