Kadesh

   An important city-state, now located in Syria; modern Tell Nebi Mend. The city became part of the Egyptian empire during Dynasty 18. Its prince rebelled against Thutmose IIIbut was forced to submit after the battle of Megiddo. The city later fell under Hittite control during the reign of Suppiluliuma I. It may have been briefly regained by Sety I. Around 1274 BC, Ramesses II sought to regain the lost Egyptian territory, but his forces were ambushed outside Kadesh by the Hittite army. Although his army was severely mauled, the Egyptian king managed to hold the Hittites back from his camp and avoid capture. The battle itself ended in stalemate, but the campaign was lost, and the Egyptians were forced to retreat. Upon his return to Egypt, Ramesses II had an account of the battle written and inscribed on temple walls to glorify his personal bravery despite the unfortunate outcome of the campaign. The Hittites more succinctly recorded an Egyptian defeat, and the northern part of the Egyptian empire in Syria, notably Amurru, remained in Hittite hands.

   See also Warfare.

Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier