Definition of Battle of Qadesh

The city of Qadesh, also known as Kadehs or Kinza, is currently in the territory Syria, specifically in the Syrian-Palestinian border area. It is a strategic enclave for communications and in ancient times it was a place highly appreciated for its fertile lands and for being a key area in commercial routes.

In 1274 a. C took place the battle of Qadesh and in it two great powers faced: the ancient Egyptians and the Hittite people. The Leader of the first was Ramses II, while the Hittites were led by King Muwatalli.

The dispute over Qadesh, then a city in the territory of Canaan, was motivated by economic interests related to the transport of goods.

It is not known for sure who won the Battle of Qadesh

The Egyptians and the Hittites had the same aspiration: control the territory of Syria to expand its dominions and promote the Commerce. To achieve this objective it was necessary to occupy the city of Qadesh militarily.

We know the information of the battle through two sources of the ancient Egyptians: the

poem of Pentaur and the bas-reliefs of the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Thus, we know that the troops of Ramses II consisted of four divisions and each of them bore the name of a deity.

It is estimated that the Egyptian army consisted of 20,000 soldiers, while the Hittite exceeded 30,000. We know that cavalry forces and chariots were used in the battle, which were pulled by two or three horses. It is also known that both armies had foreign mercenaries in their ranks and that different strategies were used by both sides. One element that draws the attention of historians is the fact that Ramses II invoked the god Amun to achieve victory over enemies.

Another striking fact is the use of Bronze Age technology on the battlefield.

The Egyptian victory has been the official version for 3000 years. Today it is believed that the result could have been a draw or even a victory for the Hittites. This controversy may have an explanation: Ramses II wanted to magnify his figure as president and for this reason reason he ordered his personal scribe to write a poem recounting the Egyptian victory.

Pentaur's poem extols the triumph of Ramses II, but historians who are adept at the Hittite people defend a thesis totally contrary.

The first peace treaty for which there are historical records

Although there are two antagonistic versions about the same episode, there is certainty of one thing: the battle of Qadesh ended with a treaty of peace. This treaty is the first of which we have news.

Photo Fotolia: Erica Guilane-Nachez / Bas

Themes in Battle of Qadesh