The Battle of Kadesh - circa 127 BC by Brian Palmer. [Postcard]

In 1275 BC there were two superpowers in the ancient near east, in the south the Egyptians and in the north the Hittites from Anatolia in modern day central Turkey. A clash between these two powers was inevitable. The Egyptian Pharaoh Rameses II marched an army north into Syria to confront the Hittites and their allies under King Muwatallis. Reaching Kadesh Rameses camped under the walls of the city with his leading division, Amun, and awaited the arrival of the rest of his army. Poor intelligence had led Rameses to believe the Hittites were far to the north, in fact they were only 2 - 3 miles away. Muwatallis delivered a surprise attack against Rameses camp but the Egyptians managed to hold on until re-enforcements arrived. Despite retreating from the field after a day long battle it was Rameses who claimed a victory. The two armies never clashed again and eventually a peace treaty was signed between the Egyptians and the Hittites.

Postcard Size - 6" x 4"