Battle of Kadesh

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Kadesh?

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Battle of Kadesh

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Major 13th century BC battle between Egyptian and Hittite empires for control of Syria.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Kadesh was a major military conflict in the early 13th century BC, between the attacking Ramesses II of the Egyptian Empire and defending Muwatalli II of the Hittite Empire. In the previous year, Ramesses II had invaded the neighboring province of Amurru. At the Orontes River, the armies engaged each other just upstream of Lake Homs and near the stronghold of Kadesh, along what is today the Lebanon–Syria border. The battle occurred on Year 5 III Shemu day 9 of Ramesses II, generally dated to May 1274 BCE based on the standard Egyptian chronology (low chronology; the high chronology has the date about 20 years earlier). It is the earliest pitched battle in recorded history for which details of tactics and formations are known, and believed to be the largest battle ever fought involving chariots, numbering at a total of 5,000 to 6,000.

Career & Major Achievements

After being outmaneuvered, ambushed, and surrounded, Ramesses II personally led a charge through the Hittite ranks with his bodyguard. He broke through and, with the arrival of a rearguard Egyptian force, managed to reverse the disaster and drive off the Hittites. The outcome is considered a stalemate. After expelling the Hyksos' 15th Dynasty around 1550 BC, the rulers of the New Kingdom of Egypt became more aggressive in reclaiming control of their state's borders. Thutmose I, Thutmose III, and his son and coregent Amenhotep II fought battles from Megiddo north to the Orontes, including conflict with Kadesh.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Many Egyptian accounts between c. 1400 and 1300 BC reflect the general destabilization of Djahy, a region in southern Canaan. During the reigns of Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III, Egypt continued to lose territory to the Mitanni in northern Syria. During the late Eighteenth Dynasty, the Amarna letters tell the story of the decline of Egyptian influence in the region. The Egyptians showed little interest in this region until almost the end of the dynasty. 1292 BC), the last ruler of this dynasty, campaigned in this region, finally beginning to turn Egyptian interest back to the area.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1274: 1274 Milestone — The battle occurred on Year 5 III Shemu day 9 of Ramesses II, generally dated to May 1274 BCE based on the standard Egyptian chronology (low chronology; the high chronology has the date about 20 years earlier).
2. 1292: 1292 Milestone — 1292 BC), the last ruler of this dynasty, campaigned in this region, finally beginning to turn Egyptian interest back to the area.
3. 1400: 1400 Milestone — 1400 and 1300 BC reflect the general destabilization of Djahy, a region in southern Canaan.
4. 1550: 1550 Milestone — After expelling the Hyksos' 15th Dynasty around 1550 BC, the rulers of the New Kingdom of Egypt became more aggressive in reclaiming control of their state's borders.

Notable Quotes by Battle of Kadesh

“Now then, his majesty had prepared his infantry, his chariotry, and the Sherden of his majesty's capturing...”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Kadesh

True or False: “The Battle of Kadesh was fought primarily over control of the vital trade routes connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Control of Canaan and Syria, which included key trade routes, was a central geopolitical objective for both the Egyptian and Hittite empires.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Kadesh