Pharaohs at War: Season 1, Episode 2

1 - 2: Ramses II - The Battle of Kadesh

The Battle of Kadesh, fought in 1275 BCE between the Egyptian Empire led by pharaoh Ramesses II and the Hittite Empire led by king Muwatalli II. In one of the world's largest chariot battles, fought beside the Orontes River, Ramses sought to wrest Canaan and Syria from the Hittites and recapture the city of Kadesh. There was a day of carnage as approximately 5,000 chariots charged into the fray, but no outright victor. Ultimately, the battle led to the world's first recorded peace treaty.