Battle of Kadesh

The Battle of Kadesh took place in the 13th century BC between the Egyptian Empire led by pharaoh Ramesses II and the Hittite Empire led by king Muwatalli II. Their armies engaged each other at the Orontes River, just upstream of Lake Homs and near the archaeological site of Kadesh, along what is today the Lebanon–Syria border.

Not to be confused with Battle of Kamdesh.
Battle of Kadesh
Part of the second Syrian campaign of Ramesses II

Depiction of Ramesses II slaying one enemy while trampling another, from a rock-cut relief at Abu Simbel
DateMay 1274 BC
Location
Orontes River, near Kadesh (modern-day Lebanon–Syria border)
Result

Inconclusive

  • Continued Egyptian–Hittite hostilities
  • Egyptian expansionist campaign temporarily stalled
Belligerents
New Kingdom of Egypt Hittite Empire
Commanders and leaders
Ramesses II
 Muwatalli II
  • Ḫattušili III
  • Mittanamuwash of Pitassa
  • Masturish of Seha River Land
  • Piyama-Radu of Wilusiya
  • Sahurunuwash of Carchemish
  • Shattuara of Mitanni
  • Niqmepa of Ugarit
  • Talmi-Sarruma of Aleppo
  • Niqmaddu of Kadesh
Strength

20,000–53,000 troops (half engaged)

  • 16,000 infantry
  • 2,000 chariots
    • 4,000 men

23,000–50,000 troops

  • 15,000–40,000 infantry (not engaged)
  • 2,500–10,500 chariots
    • 9,000–11,100 men
Casualties and losses
Unknown (presumed heavy) Unknown (~2,000 chariots destroyed)
Kadesh
Location within modern-day Syria
Kadesh
Location within Western Asia

It is generally dated to May 1274 BC, as accounted by Egyptian chronology, and is the earliest pitched battle in recorded history for which details of tactics and formations are known. It is believed to be the largest battle ever fought involving chariots, a total of 5,000 to 6,000.

After being outmaneuvered, ambushed, and surrounded, in the critical moment Ramesses personally led his body guard to charge the Hittite ranks, and broke through to stem the tide of disaster.

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