Introduction
Ramses II was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 19th Dynasty. He is considered one of the greatest pharaohs of all time and is remembered for his many accomplishments. One of the most important events of his reign was the Battle of Kadesh, which took place in 1274 BC. In this battle, Ramses II led his troops against the Hittites in an attempt to gain control of the city of Kadesh. This article will discuss why Ramses II wanted Kadesh and what the significance of the battle was.
Reasons for Ramses II Wanting Kadesh
There were several reasons why Ramses II wanted Kadesh. First, it was located on the Orontes River, which was an important trade route in the region. By controlling Kadesh, Ramses II would have access to the trade routes and be able to control the flow of goods and resources in the region.
Second, Kadesh was a strategically important city. It was located at the crossroads of several major trade routes, which would have allowed Ramses II to control the movement of goods and resources throughout the region. This would have given Ramses II a major advantage in any military conflicts.
Third, Kadesh was an important religious center. The city was home to a temple dedicated to the god Amon-Ra, which was an important site for the ancient Egyptians. By controlling Kadesh, Ramses II would have been able to control the religious worship of the region and ensure that his own religious beliefs were dominant.
Significance of the Battle of Kadesh
The Battle of Kadesh was one of the most important battles of the ancient world. It was a major turning point in the history of the region and had a lasting impact on the politics and culture of the Near East. The battle was fought between Ramses II and the Hittites and resulted in a stalemate. Although neither side was able to gain control of Kadesh, Ramses II was able to establish a peace treaty with the Hittites, which allowed him to maintain control of the region.
The battle also had a major impact on the culture of the region. It was seen as a symbol of Ramses II’s power and influence, and it helped to establish the ancient Egyptians as a major force in the region. The battle also cemented Ramses II’s legacy as one of the greatest pharaohs in history.
Conclusion
Ramses II wanted Kadesh for several reasons, including its strategic importance, access to trade routes, and religious significance. The Battle of Kadesh was an important event in the history of the region and had a lasting impact on the politics and culture of the Near East. It was a major victory for Ramses II and helped to establish him as one of the greatest pharaohs in history.
