Battle of Kadesh
The battle of Kadesh is one of the world’s largest chariot battles, fought beside the Orontes River, King Ramesses II sought to wrest Syria from the Hittites and recapture the Hittite-held city of Kadesh. There was a day of carnage as some 5,000 chariots charged into the fray, but no outright victor.
The Kadesh Treaty (Hittite version), early cuneiform inscription. The world’s earliest peace treaty that is still extant between the Hittites and Egyptians. It was signed by Hattušiliš III and Ramesses II in 1259 BC. Now in the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
Ramesses was so proud of his bravery at Kadesh and so solicitous of his military reputation that he had key scenes from the battle carved on temple walls from Egypt to Nubia, accompanied by a narrative and a poem extolling the king’s deeds.
More buildings and statues of Ramesses II remain today than of any other Egyptian ruler. This is partly because he had ample time and means for such enterprises, and partly because he did not hesitate to inscribe his name on standing monuments of his predecessors. Of the originality of this work, however, there is no question.
A relief depicts king Ramesses II in a chariot with a bow and arrow during the siege of a Syrian fortress. The scene was modified and an atef crown was added above the Blue Khepresh Crown to insinuate the edification of Ramesses II. Detail from inside the Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, Lower Nubia.
The Battle of Kadesh or Battle of Qadesh took place between the forces of the New Kingdom of Egypt under Ramesses II and the Hittite Empire under Muwatalli II at the city of Kadesh on the Orontes River, just upstream of Lake Homs near the modern Lebanon–Syria border.
Resolved to pursue the expansionist policy introduced by his father, Seti I, Ramesses invaded Hittite territories in Palestine and pushed on into Syria. Near the Orontes River, his soldiers captured two men who said they were deserters from the Hittite force, which now lay some way off, outside Aleppo.
This was reassuring, since the impetuous king had pushed well ahead of his main army with an advance guard of 20,000 infantry and 2,000 chariots. Unfortunately, the “deserters” were loyal agents of his enemy.
Led by King Muwatalli II, the Hittites were at hand—with 40,000 foot soldiers and 3,000 chariots—and swiftly attacked. Their heavy, three-horse chariots smashed into the Egyptian vanguard, scattering its lighter chariots and the ranks behind.
An easy victory seemed assured, and the Hittites dropped their guard and set about plundering their fallen enemy. Calm and determined, Ramesses quickly remarshalled his men and launched a counterattack.
With their shock advantage gone, the Hittite chariots seemed slow and ungainly; the lighter Egyptian vehicles outmaneuvered them with ease. Ramesses, bold and decisive, managed to pluck from the jaws of defeat if not victory, then at least an honorable draw.
Who Won the Battle of Kadesh?
The Battle of Kadesh, which took place in 1274 BC, was fought between the Egyptian Empire, led by King Ramesses II, and the Hittite Empire, led by King Muwatalli II. The outcome of the battle is a matter of debate and interpretation.
Both sides claimed Kadesh as a triumph, and the battle ended inconclusively. Ramesses had his temples festooned with celebratory reliefs. However, it is generally considered that neither side achieved a decisive victory, and a peace treaty was eventually signed between the two empires.
The Battle of Kadesh is significant as one of the largest chariot battles in ancient history and for its impact on the balance of power in the region.
