Part 1 in a new series: Business Lessons from the Pharaohs of Egypt.
In a world obsessed with branding, few have done it better – 3,000 years ago. Just ask Jean-Guillaume Oulet Pelletier, a modern-day codebreaker of ancient messages. This Egyptologist and expert in hieroglyphic cryptology recently revealed a hidden inscription on top of the Luxor obelisk in Paris. (He was able to climb the renovation scaffolding to check it out.)
The 3D message was intended to confuse Nile travelers – specifically targeting the nobility class – who were approaching the Luxor Temple by boat during the Opat festival. Message: glorifying the pharaoh’s divine right to rule and soliciting donations to the temple to appease the wrath of the gods. In short: It was strategic, exclusive and perfectly on brand—with a strong compelling call to action. If Rameses were alive today, he might run a global PR firm — or at least run a winning political campaign.
But here’s the twist: Remus wasn’t the only PR genius on the Nile. His approach to image building, narrative control, and strategic visibility offers Surprisingly, modern lessons For today’s entrepreneurs and marketers. Whether you’re running a growing business or looking to make your brand unforgettable, you can learn a lot from Egypt’s most confident king.
As a busy entrepreneur, you don’t think you have time for ancient history. But you know Remus’ name. You have seen his mighty colosseum at Abu Simbel. You may have glimpsed his large-scale sculpture—a 70-foot-tall lighted visitor—at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Remus was not just a ruler. She was a builder, a warrior, a negotiator, and an unstoppable force of nature who fathered nearly 100 children and ruled Egypt for 66 years.
But perhaps most impressive: Remus was an idea master. A spin doctor before the term existed. This is what he can teach us.
Grow up and be seen
Rams never let humility get in the way. If you compare him to a modern figure, think of someone bold, brash and media-savvy—like Trump without the Twitter storms and controversy. Remus made sure he had an image everywhere. North, South, East, and West. Statues, temples, inscriptions—he exemplified Egypt and the lands he conquered—increasingly and enormously.
Nowhere was this more evident than at Abu Simbel, its two grand temples to the south near the Nubian border. Four colossal statues of the king – each 70 feet tall. It was not just an architectural feat. It was a power move. A stone billboard, proclaiming: “This is who rules here.” Even inside the temple, Rameses placed himself in the “Holy of Holies” alongside the gods Amun, Pitah, Raharakhti and himself, and himself. Ever the showman – he even went a step further. Every year on October 22 and February 22, he erected his temple so that the rays of the rising sun illuminated his face and the two deities with him. Narcissist? May be. But definitely awesome awesome!
Business Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to make a bold impression. Canadian entrepreneurs in particular often struggle with politeness. But when it comes to marketing, visibility matters. Be strategic, proud, and big in your branding. Sometimes, synergy is the most effective ad and the way you can stand out in a crowded market
Spin your success stories
One of Remus’ most famous exploits was the Battle of Kadesh, fought against the Hittites. Historically, it ended in a draw. But not according to the Rams. He had large-scale reliefs carved in at least five temples in Egypt himself Alone, as a brave conqueror, his armies were overwhelmed as he charged the enemy.
Was it all true? Absolutely not. But it wasn’t wrong either. Remus turned the story in his favor, creating a tale of heroism, dominance, and divine favor. As the hero himself.
Business Takeaway: Tell your story – and tell it well. If you have a client success, show it in the best light. Publish this case study. Post a testimonial. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of progress. Even if there were bumps in the road, if the result was a win, He owns the story. Frame your victories. Impression of form. As Rameses shows, history remembers the story that is told most often and most powerfully.
Restore, reuse, recycle
Resources for the expenditure of massive temples and statues. Many of these Rams, never tactical, were developed from scratch. Instead, they often took over the monuments of previous kings – erasing their names and replacing them with their own.
Obelisks, statues, even entire temples were remodeled in his image. The result? Fast, inexpensive domination of the visual landscape. And the idea that Remus was actually responsible for much more than that.
Business Takeaway: Don’t reinvent the wheel. If you’re launching a new service or entering a new market, look at what’s already out there. Can you repurpose content, adapt an old product, or even revive a dormant brand? Smart resource management is timeless—and sometimes, strategic borrowing can give you the edge.
Final thoughts on Remus and his PR
Rameses the Great did not trust word of mouth. He created the story. He built with purpose, the expression of form, and made his way into immortality. For modern entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders, here’s a simple but powerful lesson: Control your story — or someone else will.
Remus ruled the 13th century BC. But his tactics?
Pure 21st century genius.
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Learn more about Remus II and other pharaohs in our upcoming learning events:
Mini: Egypt’s largest museum. Stories, treasures and experience
Everything you need to know about the world’s largest archaeological museum – opening in Giza this year!
Join us for an exciting three-part course that unveils the epic journey of this breathtaking museum: from its conception and architectural marvels to its world-class exhibitions and much-anticipated opening.
Week 1: Vision and Architecture – Uncover the groundbreaking design, decades of construction, and challenges behind this monumental project.
Week 2: Soft Opening Collection – Step inside the newly opened galleries, from the Grand Staircase to breathtaking exhibitions.
Week 3: Tutankhamun Reimagined – Experience the Boy King’s treasures like never before in a stunning new display.
Tuesday, May 6, 13 and 20 | 4:00–5:30 p.m
will be recorded
