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THE ANCIENTS
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF THE NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS
THE HITTITES
Between the 15th and 13th centuries BC, the Hittites were one of the dominant powers of the near east, and clashed with the other main three powers, Egypt, the middle buttyrians and the empire of Mitanni.
The Hittite prosperity was mostly dependent on control of the trade routes and natural metal resources.
Because of the importance of northern Syria to the vital routes linking the Cilician gates with Mesopotamia, defence of this area was crucial, and was challenged by the Egyptian expansion under Pharaoh Ramesses II.
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 the fortified city of Kadesh.
It 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 a total of around 6,000.
Kadesh remains a popular battle with historians because of the detailed pictorial representations left by Rameses II on the walls of temples at Thebes, Karnak, Luxor, Agydos and Abu Simbel.
As Rameses army marched up from the south, the Hittite king Muwatallis II, launched his attack by despatching 2,500 chariots in four bodies across the Orontes via a ford just below the fortified city of Kadesh.
The Egyptian records describe how these chariots cut through the army of Ra in its middle, while they were marching without knowing and without being drawn up for battle, which broke the army and caused panic. The fleeing army fell into confusion against the army of Amun the second Egyptian army to the north, which also fell into confusion and flight.
The Hittites followed up this initial attack and finally encircled the Egyptian camp. Rameses’ personal leadership and tactical dexterity in the swirling chariot battle saved him at the decisive moment, and he was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The outcome of the Battle of Kadesh is uncertain, although the timely arrival of Egyptian reinforcements prevented a total Hittite victory, the Egyptians did force the Hittites to take refuge in the fortress city of Kadesh, but their own losses prevented them from sustaining a siege.
HITT-04
THE ANCIENTS,
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS,
THE BATTLE OF KADESH 1274BC,
HITTITE WAR CHARIOT
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS
The New Kingdom, is the period in ancient Egyptian history between the sixteenth century BC and the eleventh century BC. It was Egypt’s most prosperous time and marked the peak of its power.
It is also known as the “Ramesside period”, named after the eleven pharaohs who took the name Ramesses, after Ramesses I, the founder of the nineteenth Dynasty.
Ancient Egyptian chariots, emblematic of the power and prestige of the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1070 BCE), were an integral part of the military and cultural fabric of the time.
NKE-04
THE ANCIENTS,
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS,
THE BATTLE OF KADESH 1274BC,
EGYPTIAN WAR CHARIOT
These fast-moving, lightweight vehicles revolutionized warfare, enabling pharaohs to project their might and influence over vast territories.
The development of chariots began in the Near East around 3000 BCE, with the earliest known examples originating from Sumer in Mesopotamia.
The introduction of chariots to Egypt occurred during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BCE), a time marked by the decline of the Middle Kingdom and the fragmentation of Egyptian power.
During this period, the Hyksos, a Semitic-speaking people from Western Asia, migrated to and settled in the Nile Delta.
They eventually established their rule over the northern part of Egypt, creating the 15th Dynasty.
The Hyksos brought with them advanced technology and innovations, including the horse-drawn chariot and the composite bow.
These technological advancements provided them with a significant military edge, enabling them to maintain control over their newly acquired territories.
As they buttimilated into the local culture, they also introduced these innovations to the Egyptian population.
The Egyptian elite adopted the chariot as a symbol of power, prestige, and divine favor.
Under the reign of Ahmose I (c. 1539-1514 BCE), the founder of the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom, the Egyptians successfully drove the Hyksos out of Egypt.
This victory was partly due to their effective use of chariots, which allowed them to match and surpass the Hyksos in battle.
In the New Kingdom, the Egyptian chariots were further refined and optimized for their specific needs.
They became lighter, faster, and more maneuverable, with a design that prioritized the use of archers in battle.
They were typically made from wood, with some parts fashioned from leather and bronze.
The yoke and harness system connected the chariot to the horses. The yoke was a wooden crossbar placed across the necks of the horses, with a central pole extending from it to the chariot.
The overall design of ancient Egyptian chariots made them highly efficient and agile vehicles that revolutionized warfare in the region.
In battle, chariots were primarily employed for offensive purposes, functioning as mobile archery platforms, and were also used for pursuing fleeing enemies, ensuring a decisive victory.
The golden age of the Egyptian chariot coincided with the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE), a period marked by the resurgence of Egyptian power and the expansion of its empire.
These versatile vehicles enabled Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs to project their power across vast territories and solidify their status as rulers of a mighty empire.
Today, the chariot remains an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt's military prowess and cultural sophistication.
The Battle of Kadesh took place between Ramesses II, Egyptian Empire and the Hittite Empire led by Muwatalli II, in what is believed to be around May 1274 BC.
The battle took place at the Orontes River, just upstream of Lake Homs and near the archaeological site of Kadesh, along what is today the Lebanon-Syria border.
It is the earliest pitched battle in recorded history for which details of tactics and formations are known, and is believed to be the largest chariot involved battle ever fought. It is believed there were between 5,000 to 6,000 chariots involved in total.
In the critical moment of the battle, Ramesses and his body guard were surrounded, and he broke out by personally leading several charges into the Hittite ranks.
DECEMBER SPECIAL OFFER ONLY!
HITTNKE-04
THE ANCIENTS,
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS,
THE BATTLE OF KADESH 1274BC,
HITTITE AND EGYPTIAN WAR CHARIOT
(2 BOX)
**PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER TO PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDERS**
ARMIES AND ENEMIES OF THE NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS
THE HITTITES
Between the 15th and 13th centuries BC, the Hittites were one of the dominant powers of the near east, and clashed with the other main three powers, Egypt, the middle buttyrians and the empire of Mitanni.
The Hittite prosperity was mostly dependent on control of the trade routes and natural metal resources.
Because of the importance of northern Syria to the vital routes linking the Cilician gates with Mesopotamia, defence of this area was crucial, and was challenged by the Egyptian expansion under Pharaoh Ramesses II.
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 the fortified city of Kadesh.
It 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 a total of around 6,000.
Kadesh remains a popular battle with historians because of the detailed pictorial representations left by Rameses II on the walls of temples at Thebes, Karnak, Luxor, Agydos and Abu Simbel.
As Rameses army marched up from the south, the Hittite king Muwatallis II, launched his attack by despatching 2,500 chariots in four bodies across the Orontes via a ford just below the fortified city of Kadesh.
The Egyptian records describe how these chariots cut through the army of Ra in its middle, while they were marching without knowing and without being drawn up for battle, which broke the army and caused panic. The fleeing army fell into confusion against the army of Amun the second Egyptian army to the north, which also fell into confusion and flight.
The Hittites followed up this initial attack and finally encircled the Egyptian camp. Rameses’ personal leadership and tactical dexterity in the swirling chariot battle saved him at the decisive moment, and he was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The outcome of the Battle of Kadesh is uncertain, although the timely arrival of Egyptian reinforcements prevented a total Hittite victory, the Egyptians did force the Hittites to take refuge in the fortress city of Kadesh, but their own losses prevented them from sustaining a siege.
HITT-04
THE ANCIENTS,
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS,
THE BATTLE OF KADESH 1274BC,
HITTITE WAR CHARIOT
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS
The New Kingdom, is the period in ancient Egyptian history between the sixteenth century BC and the eleventh century BC. It was Egypt’s most prosperous time and marked the peak of its power.
It is also known as the “Ramesside period”, named after the eleven pharaohs who took the name Ramesses, after Ramesses I, the founder of the nineteenth Dynasty.
Ancient Egyptian chariots, emblematic of the power and prestige of the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1070 BCE), were an integral part of the military and cultural fabric of the time.
NKE-04
THE ANCIENTS,
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS,
THE BATTLE OF KADESH 1274BC,
EGYPTIAN WAR CHARIOT
These fast-moving, lightweight vehicles revolutionized warfare, enabling pharaohs to project their might and influence over vast territories.
The development of chariots began in the Near East around 3000 BCE, with the earliest known examples originating from Sumer in Mesopotamia.
The introduction of chariots to Egypt occurred during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BCE), a time marked by the decline of the Middle Kingdom and the fragmentation of Egyptian power.
During this period, the Hyksos, a Semitic-speaking people from Western Asia, migrated to and settled in the Nile Delta.
They eventually established their rule over the northern part of Egypt, creating the 15th Dynasty.
The Hyksos brought with them advanced technology and innovations, including the horse-drawn chariot and the composite bow.
These technological advancements provided them with a significant military edge, enabling them to maintain control over their newly acquired territories.
As they buttimilated into the local culture, they also introduced these innovations to the Egyptian population.
The Egyptian elite adopted the chariot as a symbol of power, prestige, and divine favor.
Under the reign of Ahmose I (c. 1539-1514 BCE), the founder of the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom, the Egyptians successfully drove the Hyksos out of Egypt.
This victory was partly due to their effective use of chariots, which allowed them to match and surpass the Hyksos in battle.
In the New Kingdom, the Egyptian chariots were further refined and optimized for their specific needs.
They became lighter, faster, and more maneuverable, with a design that prioritized the use of archers in battle.
They were typically made from wood, with some parts fashioned from leather and bronze.
The yoke and harness system connected the chariot to the horses. The yoke was a wooden crossbar placed across the necks of the horses, with a central pole extending from it to the chariot.
The overall design of ancient Egyptian chariots made them highly efficient and agile vehicles that revolutionized warfare in the region.
In battle, chariots were primarily employed for offensive purposes, functioning as mobile archery platforms, and were also used for pursuing fleeing enemies, ensuring a decisive victory.
The golden age of the Egyptian chariot coincided with the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE), a period marked by the resurgence of Egyptian power and the expansion of its empire.
These versatile vehicles enabled Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs to project their power across vast territories and solidify their status as rulers of a mighty empire.
Today, the chariot remains an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt's military prowess and cultural sophistication.
The Battle of Kadesh took place between Ramesses II, Egyptian Empire and the Hittite Empire led by Muwatalli II, in what is believed to be around May 1274 BC.
The battle took place at the Orontes River, just upstream of Lake Homs and near the archaeological site of Kadesh, along what is today the Lebanon-Syria border.
It is the earliest pitched battle in recorded history for which details of tactics and formations are known, and is believed to be the largest chariot involved battle ever fought. It is believed there were between 5,000 to 6,000 chariots involved in total.
In the critical moment of the battle, Ramesses and his body guard were surrounded, and he broke out by personally leading several charges into the Hittite ranks.
DECEMBER SPECIAL OFFER ONLY!
HITTNKE-04
THE ANCIENTS,
NEW KINGDOM EGYPTIANS,
THE BATTLE OF KADESH 1274BC,
HITTITE AND EGYPTIAN WAR CHARIOT
(2 BOX)
**PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER TO PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDERS**
