Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)?

Subject:

Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)

Known for:

Major 15th century BC battle where Egyptian forces defeated a coalition of Canaanite rebels.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Megiddo (fought 15th century BC) was fought between Egyptian forces under the command of Pharaoh Thutmose III and a large rebellious coalition of Canaanite vassal states led by the king of Kadesh. It is the first battle to have been recorded in what is accepted as relatively reliable detail. Megiddo is also the first recorded use of the composite bow and the first body count. All details of the battle come from Egyptian sources—primarily the hieroglyphic writings on the Hall of Annals in the Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak, Thebes (now Luxor), by the military scribe Tjaneni. The Ancient Egyptian account gives the date of the battle as the 21st day of the first month of the third season, of Year 23 of the reign of Thutmose III.

Career & Major Achievements

It has been claimed that this was April 16, 1457 BC although other publications place the battle in 1482 BC or 1479 BC. The Egyptians routed the Canaanite forces, which fled to safety in the city of Megiddo. Their action resulted in the lengthy siege of Megiddo. By reestablishing Egyptian dominance in the Levant, Thutmose III began a reign in which the Egyptian Empire reached its greatest expanse. During Thutmose III's first campaign in the Levant, his personal scribe, Tjaneni, kept a daily journal on parchment.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In approximately his 42nd regnal year, many years after his campaigns in the Levant had ended, Thutmose III instructed his artisans to inscribe his military exploits into the walls of Amun-Re's temple at Karnak. The annals describe in lavish detail 14 campaigns led by Thutmose III in the Levant, the booty gained through his campaigning, tribute received from conquered regions, and, lastly, offerings to Amun-Re. The sequence of depictions indicate the New Kingdom's belief on the interactions of the gods with warfare: praise and offerings to the deities in exchange for their divine help in war. Additionally, the annals show the long-lasting effects of the battle of Megiddo. After Thutmose III's victory at Megiddo and his successful campaigns in the Levant over the next 20 years, Egypt's rise to power in the international community and its evolution into an empire is evident in the annals.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1457: 1457 Milestone — It has been claimed that this was April 16, 1457 BC although other publications place the battle in 1482 BC or 1479 BC.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)

True or False: “The primary source detailing the Battle of Megiddo is found on temple walls in Karnak, Thebes.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): These details were inscribed by the military scribe Tjaneni on the Hall of Annals at the Temple of Amun-Re.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Henry VII of England — Historical peer (Born in 1457) (1457): Founder of the House of Tudor, King of England from 1485 to 1509.
• Jingtai Emperor — Historical peer (Died in 1457) (1457): Seventh Ming Emperor, known for rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the state.
• Federico da Montefeltro — Historical peer (Died in 1482) (1482): Renaissance Condottieri, Lord of Urbino, and Patron of Humanism
• Hugo van der Goes — Historical peer (Died in 1482) (1482): A pivotal Flemish painter of the Early Netherlandish school, known for monumental altarpieces.
• Antonello da Messina — Historical peer (Died in 1479) (1479): Master Italian painter known for introducing Netherlandish oil techniques to the Renaissance.
• Diego Columbus — Historical peer (Born in 1479) (1479): Spanish explorer and second admiral of the Indies, son of Christopher Columbus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)