Battle of Kadesh

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
Date	May 1274 BC
Location	Orontes River, near Kadesh (modern-day Lebanon–Syria border)
Result	Egyptian tactical victory
Belligerents
New Kingdom of Egypt	Hittite Empire
Commanders and leaders
Ramesses II;	Muwatalli II; Ḫattušili III; Talmi-Sarruma of Aleppo;
Strength
16,000 infantry; 2,000 chariots 4,000 charioteers; ;	15,000–40,000 infantry (not engaged); 2,500 chariots 9,000–11,100 charioteers; ;
Casualties and losses
Unknown (presumed heavy)	Unknown (~2,000 chariots destroyed)

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.

The battle 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, numbering at a total of 5,000 to 6,000.

After being outmaneuvered, ambushed, and surrounded, Ramesses II personally led a charge through the Hittite ranks with his bodyguard. They broke through and avoided the capture or death of the pharaoh.

The outcome is considered a stalemate.