Final answer:
Ramses the Great restored peace and prosperity to Egypt primarily by negotiating a peace treaty with the Hittites, leading to stable trade and economic growth enhanced by his monumental building projects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ramesses the Great, also known as Ramesses II, restored peace and prosperity to Egypt by negotiating a treaty with the Hittites. Following unsuccessful warfare, including a significant battle at Qadesh, Ramesses realized the benefits of diplomacy over continued conflict. In 1258 BCE, Ramesses II and Hittite king Hattusilis II signed a historic peace treaty, which played a pivotal role in stabilizing the region and allowing for restored trade and economic prosperity.The treaty confirmed Hittite control over Syria while affirming Egyptian dominance over the eastern Mediterranean Phoenician ports. Beyond this diplomatic success, Ramesses II also bolstered Egypt’s economy and monumentality with the construction of awe-inspiring structures, such as the temples at Abu Simbel and the new capital, Pi-Ramesse. While military campaigns brought wealth through conquests, the peace treaty with the Hittites ensured a more lasting and stable peace, fostering economic growth through increased trade opportunities.In conclusion, the main answer to how Ramses the Great restored peace and prosperity is by D) negotiating a treaty with the Hittites. This diplomatic effort combined with the expansion of monumental architecture and the reinvigoration of trade, truly brought a prosperous era to Egypt under his rule.