Final answer:
Ramses II extended the territory of the Egyptian empire through military campaigns, particularly into Nubia and via the Nile Valley. Despite facing challenges, his reign was characterized by large-scale building projects and reinforcement of Egyptian influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reign of Ramses II was marked by military campaigns aimed at extending the territories controlled by the Egyptian empire. Despite the failed attempt to retake Qadesh, Ramses II's military efforts against the Libyans and Hittites did lead to some territorial expansions. Most notably, he fortified and expanded Egyptian influence through the Nile Valley and into Nubia, regions that had been either threatened or lost to foreign invaders. Additionally, Ramses II's reign saw large-scale building projects, including the Great Temple of Abu Simbel in Nubia and a new capital named Pi-Ramesse in the Nile delta, which were both strategic and served to project the power and influence of his rule. While Ramses II did have to agree to a treaty with the Hittites, which mitigated the risk of further loss, his long reign was characterized by these active efforts to consolidate and extend Egyptian power.