Ramesses V

AncientEmperorNew Kingdom Egypt-1149 — -1145

Smallpox scars on his mummy.

Compare Ramesses V with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1149 BCE

Died

1145 BCE

Country

New Kingdom Egypt

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)42

Legacy (20%)34

Leadership (15%)39

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score35.1

Ramesses V — Complete Timeline

1149 BC

Accession and Short ReignPolitical Action◆ Major

Ramesses V succeeded his father Ramesses IV but reigned only about four years. His reign was marked by economic difficulties and the growing power of the Amun priesthood at Thebes. The brevity of his rule limited his ability to undertake major projects.

SuccessionShort ReignEconomic Decline

Impact: national

1147 BC

Turmoil in ThebesPolitical Action

During Ramesses V's reign, the High Priest of Amun, Ramessesnakht, gained significant power, effectively controlling Thebes. This shift marked the beginning of the decline of royal authority in Upper Egypt. The king was unable to curb the priestly influence.

PriesthoodPower ShiftThebes

Impact: nationaldestructive

1145 BC

Evidence of Smallpox on MummyOther◆ Major

The mummy of Ramesses V shows distinct pustular lesions on the face and body, consistent with smallpox. This is one of the earliest known physical evidence of the disease. His death may have been caused by smallpox, which contributed to the instability of his reign.

DiseaseSmallpoxMummy

Impact: globaltragic