Sesostris, the Mythical Pharaoh Who Invaded Europe

When it comes to ancient Egyptian history, it can be incredibly hard to separate fact from fiction. Tales of ancient Egypt are filled with grandeur and mystery, with stories of powerful pharaohs, monumental constructions, and ambitious military campaigns. So much of Egypt’s real history sounds impossible; it’s no wonder that legends slip through the cracks sometimes and become mistaken for fact. The story of Sesostris is a fitting example. A pharaoh so powerful he supposedly invaded Europe (and, according to one ancient source, the entire world). Despite these supposed accomplishments, extraordinarily little evidence of Sesostris remains, but the tales surrounding him have captured the imaginations of historians for decades. Who was this mysterious pharaoh? Did he really exist? How much of his legend is rooted in historical fact? We’re still searching for the answers to these questions.