How did Ramses II attack Qadesh (Kadesh). Was it a Seige or was it Just running in?
It was just running in, he got bamboozled….. Ramasses II (the Great) lead the Egyptian army of 20,000 men, in four divisions toward the city of Qadesh. The Hittites were waiting in ambush with 3,700 chariots and 37,000 foot soldiers. A surprise attack by Hittite chariots overran the Egyptian RE division as it was marching north. The Hittites then attacked the nearby camped AMUN division, causing the defenders to abandon their positions. Ramasses, trying to prevent a disaster, lead an almost single handed chariot attack upon the Hittite eastern flank, causing large losses and breaking up the attack. The Hittites then sent in a second wave of chariots. At this time, the NE ARIN division of the Egyptian army arrived and attacked the Hittite reinforcements. With Ramasses forces joining in the attack, the second group of Hittites were broken up, and largely destroyed. In the end, the battle was in effect a draw. A military Disengagement was agreed on by both sides and years later a formal
