That he was descended from Ramesses the Great filled Ramesses III with obscene pride. Elevated to the throne following a coup led by his father Setnakhte during the troubled days of Queen Tausret, Ramesses III set about creating an Egypt that reflected the glory days of Ramesses the Great. He took on his predecessor's throne name, named his sons after the sons of Ramesses and pushed them toward similar duties. Most of all, he thirsted after conquests like those of his hero grandfather.

Ramesses III assumed the throne name of Usermaatre, translated as 'Strong is the Ma'at of Re' and endeavoured to live up to the sentiment. He fought foreign foes, as had Ramesses the Great; he built temples throughout the Two Lands, as had Ramesses the Great, and he looked forward to a long, illustrious life on the throne of Egypt, as had Ramesses the Great.

Alas, his reign was not to be. Ramesses III faced troubles at home--troubles that threatened the stability of Egypt and his own throne. The struggles for power between his wives, his sons, and even the priests of Amun, together with a treasury drained of its wealth, forced Ramesses III to question his success as the scion of a legend.