Ramses the Great's Prince Khaemwaset: Scholar, Sorcerer, High Priest

Ramses the Great: Egypt's Most Powerful Pharaoh — Fexingo History · Jun 11, 2026 · 8m · transcript

Ramses the Great had many sons, but none left a mark like Khaemwaset. As High Priest of Ptah in Memphis, he restored crumbling pyramids and temples, earning a reputation as Egypt's first archaeologist. He was also a powerful magician in later legend, starring in Demotic tales like the Setna cycle. This episode explores his real-life career: his role in the Apis bull burials at the Serapeum, his inscriptions on the monuments of Old Kingdom pharaohs, and his political position as crown prince for much of his father's reign. We also look at how his priestly authority and scholarly…