The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised ancient Egyptian king, Ramesses V as the oldest known victim of smallpox.
The WHO, in a new video released to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the organization on Saturday, said Ramesses V, who was the fourth pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt, is believed to be the oldest person who succumbed to the disease but was seen then as a punishment from the gods.
During the video presentation, Ramesses V himself is heard telling the story of his smallpox disease, saying:
“3,000 years ago, a disease hit the planet, adding, that you may not know me, I am the defeater of millions, the master of the earth and the protector of the Egyptians, I am Pharaoh Ramses V, my appearance does not scare you as it used to scare me one day, because the disease could affect everyone as everyone was susceptible to infection, and everyone was afraid of it, even the kings.”
He added:
“Smallpox is highly contagious and intractable, as it has taken the lives of hundreds of millions of people, but humanity did not stand idly by, as the smallpox vaccine became the first vaccine to be manufactured in history.
“The disease is gone, and the pain, suffering, and stigma that haunted countless souls have gone. The power of science has triumphed, and a disease that has been stationed for thousands of years has been erased from existence.
“I am the ruler of ancient Egypt, and even after my death my body was preserved and my memory perpetuated, but you will remember that you achieved this achievement that saves human lives”.
Known as Usermaatre Sekheperenre Ramesses V, the revered ancient Egyptian king was the son of Ramesses IV and Duatentopet.
Ramesses V’s reign was characterized by the continued growth of the power of the priesthood of Amun which controlled much of the temple land in the country and the state finances at the expense of the ruling pharaohs.
His mummy is now on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.