Around 1275 BC, Ramses II was pharaoh and commander of the Egyptian army. He led an expedition from the eastern delta north through Palestine, targeting the city of Kadesh, which was in the hands of the Hittites at the time. What Ramses had not expected was that the leader of the Hittites, King Muwatallis, was in the city, which significantly complicated his plans. The Battle of the Orontes in southern Syria was the largest chariot battle ever fought. The Hittites proved to be formidable opponents and managed to break through the second division of the Egyptian army with a targeted chariot attack. In the end, the Hittites were forced to retreat, but the Egyptians were also unable to capture Kadesh and had to withdraw from Syria. In this detailed volume, Egyptologist Anthony Spalinger examines the history of the Egyptians and Hittites, highlighting how they fought and how Kadesh became one of the most decisive battles of antiquity. With artwork, maps, diagrams and illustrations of stone carvings from various temples, ancient Egypt is brought to life and one of the earliest documented battles is presented.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Spalinger, Anthony/Capparoni, Marco (Illustr.)
Title
Kadesh 1274 BC
Details
English text, paperback, numerous photographs, several full-page colour illustrations, colour maps. 96 pages.
