The armies of the Hittite king, Muwatallis, and the Egyptian pharaoh, Ramses II, each numbering about 20,000, met at Kadesh in 1275 BC. Muwatallis, camped north of Kadesh, tricked Ramses into believing that he was retreating.
The pharaoh split the four divisions of his army, hastening with Amon Division in pursuit, and setting up camp north of Kadesh. Pre' Division followed.
Unseen, the Hittite chariots swept round Kadesh and fell upon the unprepared Pre' Division, almost destroying it.
Many of Pre' Division fled north into the pharaoh's camp, carrying part of Amon Division with them in their flight and allowing the Hittites to encircle Ramses.
An outbreak of looting among the undisciplined Hittites and the timely arrival of Ptah Division and of a special Egyptian elite task force allowed Ramses to regroup.
The Hittites were forced to retreat back across the river. The battle ended in stalemate.
