Kadesh 1275 BC - Egypt Attempts to Take Syria

An illustrated look at Ancient Egypt and one of the earliest recorded battles that put a stop to Ramesses II''s drive into Syria. In c. 1274 BC, Ramesses II was pharaoh and commander of the Egyptian army. He led an expedition northwards from the eastern delta, through Palestine, and aimed for the city of Kadesh, which was currently in the hands of the Hittites. What Ramesses did not expect was that the Hittites'' leader, King Muwatallis, was in the city, which made his plans much harder. Meeting in battle at the Orontes River in southern Syria, it was the largest clash of chariots ever seen. The Hittites proved to be formidable opponents, managing to slice through the second division of the Egyptian army with a targeted chariot attack. In the end, the Hittites were forced to retreat but the Egyptians also failed to capture Kadesh and had to withdraw out of Syria. In this detailed volume, Egyptologist Anthony Spalinger explores the history of the Egyptians and Hittites, looking at how they fought and how Kadesh came to be considered one of the most decisive battles of the ancient world. With stunning artwork, maps, diagrams and images of carvings from multiple temples, Ancient Egypt is brought to life, showcasing one of the earliest recorded set-piece battles.

About the author

Anthony Spalinger is an Egyptologist and Emeritus Professor of Classics and Ancient Egypt at the University of Auckland. He has published several books on Ancient Egypt.Specializing in history and military history, Marco Capparoni is a fine artist and illustrator for wargames, fiction and non-fiction publishers and private commissions.

Product details

• Authors: Anthony Spalinger, Anthony Spalinger
• Assisted by: Marco Capparoni (Illustration), Marco Capparoni (Illustration)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 18.06.2026
• EAN: 9781472870551
• ISBN: 978-1-4728-7055-1
• No. of pages: 96
• Series: Campaign
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Antiquity; HISTORY / Ancient / Egypt, military history, Syria, HISTORY / Military / Ancient, Middle Eastern history, Ancient History, Ancient history: to c 500 CE, BCE to c 500 CE, Ancient warfare, c 2686 to c 323 BCE (Ancient Egyptian period), HISTORY / Middle East / Syria