The Decisive Battles of World History

Lecture 2: 1274 B.C. Kadesh—Greatest Chariot Battle

x Although this battle was less decisive in military terms than others,

it permanently ended the multigenerational war between two of the

greatest powers of the era: Sixteen years after the battle, Ramesses

and the Hittites signed a remarkable peace treaty.

o It contains provisions establishing borders, mutual declarations

not to invade each other’s territory, promises of support if one

or the other country is attacked or to help suppress internal

rebellions, and extradition of political refugees.

o The treaty ushered in an unprecedented era of peace in the

ancient Near East that would last nearly a century.

x The Battle of Kadesh is also important because it served as the

foundation of Ramesses’s reputation as a leader, which he would

amply exploit over the course of a 66-year reign. During this time,

he built many of the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt.

x In the next lecture, we will move north along the shores of the

Mediterranean to examine a pivotal battle fought between the

ancient Greeks and the mighty empire of Persia.

Cotterell, Chariot.

Gardiner, The Kadesh Inscriptions of Ramesses II.

Goedicke, ed., Perspectives on the Battle of Kadesh.

Healy, The Warrior Pharaoh.

Shaw and Boatright, “Ancient Egyptian Warfare.”

1. What do you think are the pros and cons of chariot warfare?


2. In what ways did the personality of Ramesses affect the battle, taking
   into account his actions before and during it?

Suggested Reading

Questions to Consider