Lecture Examines Ramses II's Propaganda Following the Battle of Kadesh

A lecture delivered by Associate Professor Boyo Ockinga from Macquarie University analyzed how Pharaoh Ramses II transformed the Battle of Kadesh from a military setback into a successful propaganda campaign. The event was recorded at the Australian Museum on April 27, 2024. Ockinga, an Egyptologist, discussed the historical battle that occurred early in Ramses II's reign, approximately five years after he assumed power, when Egyptian forces attempted to seize control of Kadesh from the Hittite Empire. The presentation questioned the traditional notion that historical narratives are solely crafted by the winning side, exploring the complexities of this ancient conflict. This talk was part of the 'Gateway to Egypt' program series, which was developed to complement the 'Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs' exhibition. Ockinga earned his doctorate in Egyptology from the University of Tübingen in Germany and joined the faculty at Macquarie University in 1984, where he taught ancient Egyptian language, religion, and history. He currently holds an honorary associate professor position in the Department of History and Archaeology and is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Egyptology at the same institution. His research involves ongoing projects in Egypt, including the excavation and publication of inscriptions and iconography from New Kingdom tombs, such as the tomb of Saroy, a high-ranking official under Ramses II. Russell Briggs, the Chief Experience Officer at the Australian Museum, oversees the institution's exhibitions, public programs, education initiatives, visitor services, digital content, climate change efforts, archives, library, and collections. He began his role in September 2017.