Historical Analysis: The Battle of Kadesh - Module 2 Assignment

This assignment analyzes the Battle of Kadesh, a significant conflict between the Egyptian and Hittite empires in 1274 BC. The paper explores the strategic importance of the city of Kadesh, the differing warfare methods, and the leadership of Ramesses II and Muwattali II. Despite both sides claiming victory, the battle resulted in an inconclusive outcome, eventually leading to a non-aggression pact, the first known war pact in history. The analysis highlights the clash of heavy and light chariots and the impact on the battle's outcome. The paper is formatted using MLA citation style, providing a detailed overview of the historical context and significance of the Battle of Kadesh.

Running head: BATTLE OF KADESH
BATTLE OF KADESH
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1BATTLE OF KADESH
The battle of Kadesh was an important war of power and strategic position of two
important ancient empire namely, the famous Egyptian empire and Hittite Empire. In this
ancient war of 1274 BC, the Egyptian emperor Ramesses II and Hittite emperor Muwattali II
faced each other (McCandless). According to the historical data, there was no actual winner
of this battle but it was important to understand the power collision of these two empire of
that time. It was one of the largest chariot battle of the world when pharaoh Ramesses II tried
to wrest Syria from the Hittites and captured the city of Kadesh from the Hittites.
The reason why there is no winner of this battle, refers to the different yet effective
warfare methods of these two empires. When the Hittite emperor Muwattali II attacked the
Egyptian army with 40,000 foot soldiers and 3000 chariots, he smashed the Egyptian
vanguard with his heavy and three horse chariots (Berruti and Ruzza, p. 30). The chariots of
the Egyptians were lighters but swift which helped Ramesses II to remarshal his army and
ready for the counter attack. Before the lighter and swifter chariots of the Egyptians, the
heavy chariots of the Hittite proved slow which saved Egyptians from facing defeat.
Therefore, both the emperors lost this battle but procured an honourable draw. However both
sides claimed the battle as triumph but the outcome was inconclusive. Finally, the non-
aggression pact to place between these two emperors which is the first know war pact in
history.

2BATTLE OF KADESH
References:
Berruti, Gabriele LF, and Stefano Ruzza. "The emergence of war in human societies." The
Emergence of Warrior Societies and its Economic, Social and Environmental Consequences.
Archaeopress Oxford, 2016. 27-38.
McCandless, Lindsey June. The Makings of an Event: Encountering the Battle of Kadesh
through Time. Diss. UC Berkeley, 2016.