Kadesh 1286 BC: Egypt Attempts to Take Syria

An illustrated look at Ancient Egypt and one of the earliest recorded battles that put a stop to Ramesses II's drive into Syria.

In c. 1286 BC, Ramesses II was pharaoh and commander of the Egyptian army. He led an expedition northwards from the eastern delta, through Palestine, and aimed for the city of Kadesh, which was currently in the hands of the Hittites. What Ramesses did not expect was that the Hittites' leader, King Muwatallis, was in the city, which made his plans much harder.

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