The Great Battle of Kadesh
One of the ancient Egyptian wars is the Battle of Kadesh, which took place in 1274 BCE. The forces of Ramses II, Egypt’s youthful pharaoh, and Muwatal II, ruler of the Hittite Empire, with the latter’s allies, fought in this conflict. It took place along the Orontes River in what is now Syria, near the town of Kadesh. Historians and archaeologists have based the specifics of the battle of Kadesh on depictions found in the walls of ancient Egyptian temples, where Pharaoh Ramses II recounted the progress of the conflict through the drawing of the reliefs, making this fact the major topic of his reign.
The Battle of Kadesh in Hittite Depictions
Archaeologists discovered numerous similar depictions of the war in the temples of Hattusa, the Hittite capital. The Battle of Kadesh holds a unique distinction as the first battle described in ancient sources. This makes it a subject of thorough examination for military science aficionados, scholars, analysts, historians, Egyptologists, and military personnel worldwide. This battle, which took place in the ancient city of Kadesh, was also the first to result in a written peace treaty. Kadesh has another distinction: it was the last epic battle in history fought exclusively with Bronze Age weapons.
Key Features of Ramesses II’s Battle of Kadesh Reliefs
Ramesses II, the renowned Egyptian pharaoh, left an indelible mark on history through the monumental reliefs that commemorate his exploits in the Battle of Kadesh. These artistic displays are strategically placed on temple walls from Egypt to Nubia, capturing a blend of historical narrative and royal propaganda. Here are some key features of these intricate reliefs:
1. Vivid Depictions of Battle Scenes:
- The reliefs intricately show Ramesses II in dynamic poses, often depicted riding a chariot, wielding a bow, and leading his troops with unparalleled bravery. One notable scene showcases him during the siege of a Syrian fortress, underscoring his military prowess.
2. Symbolic Enhancements:
- Artistic modifications, such as the addition of the atef crown above the Blue Khepresh Crown, are prevalent. These embellishments are designed to elevate Ramesses II‘s divine status and enhance his portrayal as a mighty and divinely favored ruler.
3. Narrative Accompaniment:
- Accompanying these visual representations is a detailed narrative and poetry, which extol the king’s deeds and valiant efforts during the battle. These texts serve to provide context and celebrate the pharaoh’s heroism, further solidifying his esteemed reputation.
4. Placement in Iconic Temples:
- These reliefs are not confined to a single location but rather are showcased across various temples, including the Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel in Lower Nubia. This widespread placement signifies the importance of Kadesh in Ramesses‘ reign and serves as continuous propaganda.
5. Celebratory Motifs:
- Throughout the temples, celebratory motifs and scenes festoon the walls. These visuals focus on victory and divine endorsement, aiming to immortalize Ramesses II‘s military triumphs and reinforce his legacy as one of Egypt‘s greatest warrior kings.
By combining detailed battle imagery, symbolic grandeur, and strategic narratives, the reliefs of Ramesses II offer an insightful glimpse into the pharaoh’s efforts to immortalize his triumphs at the Battle of Kadesh.
Relief Depicting Ramesses II Smiting His Enemies
The relief showcasing King Ramesses II smiting his enemies is rich with symbolic and detailed elements. Here are the key components:
- Iconic Pose: Ramesses II is depicted in a traditional and powerful stance, highlighting his dominance over his foes.
- Regal Attire: The king wears a distinguished blue Khepresh crown, also known as the war crown, adorned with the protective serpent emblem called the uraeus. An ornate Usekh collar signifies his high status and divine protection. His elaborate robe and accessories, including armlets, bracelets, and sandals, further enhance his royal and splendid appearance.
- Symbolism of Power: The combination of these elements emphasizes his power, divine right to rule, and his role as a protector and conqueror.
This relief is not just an artistic piece but a powerful representation of Ramesses II‘s kingship and military prowess.
Reasons for the Battle of Kadesh
During the reign of Pharaoh Seti I, father of Ramses II, the Hittite army conquered numerous Syrian cities that belonged to Ancient Egypt, intensifying the rivalry between the two major powers of the period. Muwatalli II is well remembered as the Hittite monarch who conquered Qadesh and turned it into a strategic location for the Hittites in Syria. This war, however, was not fought until 1274 B.C. between the newly appointed Pharaoh Ramses II and Muwatalli, who was still in power.
The Battle of Kadesh Facts
Egypt had 20,000 troops for this battle, divided into four military divisions named after gods: Amun, Ra, Ptah, and Seth. Chariots, archers, and Lancers made up these divisions. The Hittite country, for its part, assembled a 27,000-strong army after allying with twenty Syrian and Anatolian kingdoms to combat Egypt’s armed power.
The Battle of Kadesh is a Landmark in Chariot Warfare
Ramesses II’s Egyptian Empire and Muwatalli II’s Hittite Empire fought the Battle of Kadesh around 1274 BCE. This battle is famous as one of the largest chariot battles in ancient history. The conflict was enormous, with thousands of chariots on both sides.
Massive Deployment of Chariots
- Hittite Might: The Hittite army reportedly deployed around 3,500 chariots, a staggering number that showcases their military prowess and strategic investment in chariot warfare.
- Egyptian Forces: Ramesses II‘s forces countered with approximately 2,000 chariots, integrating both elite and auxiliary units.
Tactical Innovation and Warfare
The battle’s significance extends beyond numbers. It illustrates the tactical evolution of chariot warfare, highlighting how these vehicles were central to military strategies. The maneuverability and speed of the chariots allowed for intricate battlefield tactics, pivotal in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Historical Impact
The outcome of the Battle of Kadesh also had profound implications for the balance of power in the ancient Near East. Although the battle itself was indecisive, the eventual peace treaty, one of the earliest recorded, reshaped diplomatic relations and territories.
Key Takeaways
- Scale: The Battle of Kadesh involved thousands of chariots, making it unparalleled in ancient military history.
- Innovation: The battle demonstrated advanced tactical use of chariots, which influenced future military engagements.
- Impact: It altered the geopolitical landscape and led to significant diplomatic developments.
Understanding the Battle of Kadesh gives us insights into the evolution of ancient warfare and the strategic importance of chariots in shaping historical events.
The Battle Unfolds
Ramses entered Syria with four divisions: Amun, Ra, Ptah, and Seth. His army included Egyptian battalions, Nubian soldiers, and a large force of Amorites who hated the Hittites. Ramses arrived at Kadesh and flanked it from the west and north. He didn’t know the Hittites had done the same from the east and south, along the Orontes River.
The Hittite king, Muwatalli, showed great ingenuity. He sent soldiers to be captured. These soldiers convinced the Egyptians that the Hittites were farther north. Ramses, ignoring his officers’ advice, rushed forward with the Amun and Ra divisions without waiting for the rest of his army. By the time he learned the truth, it was too late.
Nervously, Ramses prepared his defenses. He sent messages to the Ptah and Seth divisions, urging them to hurry. The Hittites were very organized. They had a firm, concrete strategy. They crossed the Orontes River from east to west, south of Kadesh, and launched a devastating attack. The Egyptian divisions, hungry and exhausted from the march, barely managed to defend themselves.
Turning the Tide
The Ra division came under fire and was almost destroyed. Only a few chariots survived. With the Ptah and Seth divisions still absent, King Muwatalli moved many chariots to the camp where Ramses II and his Amun division were reorganizing. He thought this second attack would win the battle for the Hittites. As the Hittite attack on the camp began, it was reinforced with chariots and shield fragments, which gave the Egyptians an unimpeded corridor for their soldiers and archers.
Suddenly, a group of chariots known as Ne’arin arrived. It is unclear whether they were part of the Seth division or Amorite allies. They ambushed the Hittite chariots on the flank, turning the fight in the Egyptians’ favor. Ramses quickly marshaled his men and launched a counterattack. With their shock advantage gone, the Hittite chariots seemed slow and clumsy. The lighter Egyptian vehicles outmaneuvered them easily. Ramses, through his boldness and decisiveness, turned a near defeat into an honorable draw. This conflict resulted in a ceasefire and the famous Treaty of Kadesh, which established a lasting peace.
Key Strategies Employed by Ramesses:
- Remarshalling His Forces: Despite the chaos, Ramesses efficiently reorganized his troops, demonstrating his leadership under pressure.
- Quick Counterattack: He swiftly launched a counteroffensive, catching the Hittites off guard and exploiting their momentary disarray.
- Utilizing Agile Chariots: The Egyptian chariots, being lighter and more maneuverable, were effectively used to outflank and outpace the heavier Hittite chariots.
- Turning Adversity into Advantage: Ramesses’s ability to turn a near-defeat into an honorable draw showcased his tactical acumen and resilience.
These strategies not only salvaged the situation but also demonstrated Ramesses‘ tactical brilliance, reinforcing his legacy as a formidable military leader.
Just at that time, a body of chariots known as Ne’arin arrives, and it’s unclear if it’s part of the division Seth or the amorous kingdoms of the Egyptians summoned by Ramses II. 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. The reality is that they ambushed the Hittite chariots on the flank and tipped the fight in the Egyptians’ favor.
Ceasefire
Ramesses, bold and decisive, managed to pluck from the jaws of defeat, if not victory, then at least an honorable draw. The conflict eventually resulted in a ceasefire, the famed Treaty of Kadesh, and a year-long peace.
The infantry resistance and the onslaught of the experienced Egyptian archers were successful in stopping the tired Hittite horses and men and forcing them to flee, resulting in a slaughter. Even though the Hittites lost the first battle and the element of surprise, there was still a battle ahead; they had only utilized a portion of their formidable chariots, and the infantry had not participated, and the cavalry had not appeared as a body of the army in those days.
The Battle of Kadesh saw a massive deployment of chariots. The Hittites fielded about 3,000 chariots, while their opponents contributed around 5,000 chariots to the confrontation. This brings the total number of chariots involved to approximately 8,000. Rows upon rows of these war machines clashed on the battlefield, contributing significantly to the day’s skirmish. The sheer scale of the chariot forces underscores the importance and intensity of this historic battle.
The Battle of Kadesh’s Consequences
Approximately 5,000 Egyptians died as a result of this (both armies had about 20,000 men, which gives an idea of the tragedy). The Amun division, on the other hand, was in dire straits. Ptah and Seth’s divisions continued to advance, oblivious to the peril they were about to face. Also, regions ravaged by battle, communities, or small towns that were totally erased off the map (due to the military soldiers’ ravenous march, which razed them all to the ground), and so on. But, most significantly, a treaty: the Kadesh Treaty.
In the Battle of Kadesh, Ramses retreats.
Rameses fled south to Damascus after the fight. He had to return to Egypt without a victory. He also lost many resources. Despite this, he commissioned an epic poem. The Poem of Pentaur described his “triumphant victory.” This account was false, as Hittite chronicles show. Muwatal did not prolong the battle. He sent Rameses a peace offer. They had more conflicts. Later, they signed the Treaty of Kadesh. Hattusili III, not Muwatal, signed the final agreement. This battle was the last major conflict between Egyptians and Hittites. After this, they agreed to stay out of each other’s territory.
The Battle of Kadesh was a major chariot battle in ancient history. It impacted the region’s balance of power. The battle changed military strategy. It showed the power of both the Egyptian and Hittite armies. Neither side won a decisive victory. However, the peace treaty started a new era of diplomacy between the two powers. The battle and treaty shifted the balance of power. They created a buffer zone and defined spheres of influence. This prevented further large-scale conflicts. It fostered stability in the region.
Kadesh Political Peace Treaty
The Treaty of Kadesh was a historic peace pact between Egypt and the Hittite Empire. It was the first documented peace treaty between two kingdoms in the history of humanty. After Muwatalli’s death, Hattusili III, Muwatalli II’s brother, was anointed as King of the Hittites 16 years after the fight. The agreement established new borders between the two countries. Their leaders promised not to go to war again. They also established a succession plan for their thrones. Egypt gave up control of Kadesh and the Litani Valley. To seal the agreement, King Ramses II married a Hittite princess. She was Hattusili III’s daughter.
Other versions of the treaty exist. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum has a set of clay tablets. They match the Hittite version of the Battle of Kadesh. These tablets have the same text. You can see the glory of King Ramses II at his temples. Visit Abu Simbel, Karnak, and Luxor. You can take a Nile River Cruise or book an Egypt tour package. You might try Egypt Fun Tours.
The Kadesh Treaty is currently housed at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. This historic document, one of the oldest surviving peace treaties in the world, is preserved in this renowned institution located in Turkey.
