Africa’s Oldest Civilizations: Scholars Spotlight Ramses II, the Black Pharaohs of Kmt
A renewed wave of African-centered historical research is shedding light on the origins of ancient civilizations in the Nile Valley, reaffirming long-established evidence that the foundations of Kmt—known today as Ancient Egypt—are firmly rooted in Africa. Scholars emphasize that while the broader region of ancient Sudan, historically called Ethiopia or “the Land of the Blacks”, is recognized as the cradle of the world’s earliest civilization, it is Kmt that continues to command global academic attention.
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Researchers note that the earliest rulers and influential figures of the Dynastic Age were people of black African ancestry, characterized by dark skin and woolly hair. This cultural and historical identity remained dominant through Egypt’s unification in the fourth millennium B.C.E. and throughout its periods of immense prosperity.
A major focus of the latest studies is Ramses II—popularly known as Ramses the Great—who ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE. Over 3,200 years after his reign, experts continue to describe his leadership as one of the most transformative eras in African antiquity.
During his extraordinary sixty-seven-year rule, Ramses presided over an era of unprecedented stability, vast economic growth, and monumental architectural achievements. From Nubia to the Delta, massive temples were carved into cliffs, new cities such as Pi-Ramses rose to prominence, and sacred centers in Abydos and western Waset saw the construction and refurbishment of elaborate royal tombs.
His administration also oversaw significant military campaigns against the Libyans, Hittites, and their allies, while religious life flourished through the elevation of deities such as Ptah, Re, and Set, alongside the revival of the Amen priesthood.
Historians argue that Ramses II’s influence was so immense that he was considered divine during his lifetime—a status that set enduring standards for kingship across generations. His name, Ramses, the Son of Amen-Re, became a symbol of power, majesty, and African leadership at its peak.
As new research deepens the understanding of Africa’s pivotal role in shaping early global civilization, experts say Kmt will remain a central subject of inquiry for years to come, strengthening ongoing efforts to reclaim and accurately represent Africa’s historic contributions to humanity.
Africa’s Oldest Civilizations: Scholars Spotlight Ramses II, the Black Pharaohs of Kmt