In the ancient Levant, the site of Kadesh, at the Egyptian Hittite border, is a constant source of conflict. The famous Battle of Kadesh in May 1274 BCE is remarkable for the heavy losses, lack of resolution and thousands of chariots used.
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Both Egyptians and Hittites are skilled warhorse people and charioteers. Peace between the kingdoms doesn't occur until 1258 BCE. It's the first peace treaty in history due to the influence of two remarkable women.
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Battle of Kadesh 1274 BCE
Kadesh is at the border of today's Syria and Lebanon. In 1274 BCE, the Hittite legions are under the command of King Muwatalli II with nineteen recorded allies. Among his allies is the King of Aleppo in north Syria. Due to its strategic trade and warfare location, the city of Aleppo is under constant attack from invaders.
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The Hittite combatants include:
23,000–50,000 troops
15,000–40,000 infantry (not engaged)
2,500–10,500 chariots
9,000–11,100 men
The Hittites wear scale armor of bronze and other materials, first used in the 2nd millennium BCE, along with similar horse armor. Their war chariots are capable of carrying three men.
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Leader of the Egyptians is the young Pharoah Ramesses II. He heads a division of up to 20,000 men. Egypt utilizes
20,000–53,000 troops (half engaged)
16,000 infantry
2,000 chariots
4,000 men
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At first Ramesses is tricked by misinformation, thinking the Hittites are farther away than they are. Below, Egyptians beat the spies of the Hittites, who confess their deception and plead for their lives.
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The Egyptians charge into battle. Losses are heavy and the ground runs red. At one decisive point Ramesses and many of his men are overwhelmed and trapped, and all seems lost.
Surrounded by Hittite forces, Ramesses rallies his troops. They battle their way out of the hostile throng. Ramesses races back to Egypt announcing his victory, which is subsequently recorded by scribes and artisans.
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Overall, despite the claims of Ramesses, the battle ends in indecision. Both sides suffer significant damage. About 2,000 Hittite chariots are destroyed. The post-battle landscape is weak as the Assyrians flex their powers. By the time Hittite King Muwatalli dies, in 1272 BCE, Kadesh remains a site of dispute, and little changes.
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The Two Queens
After the death of Mutwatalli, his son Mursili III, takes the throne. He launches an attack on properties held by his uncle, Hattusili (Ḫattušili) III and attempts to seize control of Hakpis. He chooses the wrong guy to pick on.
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Hattusili gathers allies and promptly deposes his nephew, banishing him to Syria. Hattusili rises to the Hittite throne as King in 1267 BCE. At his side is his Queen, Puduhepa from the province of Kizzuwatna, where she was a priestess of Shaushka.
Hattusili, then a general, meets Puduhepa as he returns from the Battle of Kadesh. He's instantly smitten. Even the Goddess Ishtar (Hurrian: Shaushka) encourages the match, appearing to Hattusili in a vision. Puduhepa becomes his confidante, partner and greatest love.
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In Egypt, the primary wife of Ramesses II is Nefertari. The term "Queen" isn't officially used. Her title is 'King's Wife'.
Despite having several other wives Ramesses is devoted to her, naming her "the one for whom the Sun shines". Charming and educated, she teaches herself to read and write several languages, including Akkadian, the standard language of diplomacy.
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The two women correspond, exchange gifts and praise, and talk politics with progressive intent. While King Hattusili is known for his diplomatic strategy, his relations with Egypt remain bitterly strained.
Puduhepa and Nefertari become friends as much as royals can be. Both women know peace between Egypt and the Hittites will expand trade, set new political standards and help their Kingdoms prosper.
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Nefertari (Naptera) writes to Puduhepa in a well-known letter. At the time, letters are written on clay tablets. A number of them from the Egyptian royal court are found at Hattusa, the imperial Hittite capital.
This letter is written sometime after the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE. Puduhepa marries Hattusili and they reign together in the Hittite Kingdom of Hapkis in northern Anatolia. Shortly afterward, diplomatic correspondence begins between Egypt and the Hittites.
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In context the letter is written when Puduhepa is obviously Queen of the Hittites, after Hattusili's rebellion and ascent to the throne in 1267 BCE. As Nefertari passes into the Dark Earth 1255 BCE, the letter is written before then.
In Akkadian, Nefertari says,
"The great Queen Naptera [Nefertari] of the land of Egypt speaks thus: Speak to my sister Puduhepa, the Great Queen of the Hatti land. I, your sister, (also) be well!! May your country be well.
Now, I have learned that you, my sister, have written to me asking after my health. ... You have written to me because of the good friendship and brotherly relationship between your brother, the king of Egypt, The Great and the Storm god will bring about peace, and he will make the brotherly relationship between the Egyptian king, the Great King, and his brother, the Hatti King, the Great King, last for ever...
See, I have sent you a gift, in order to greet you, my sister... for your neck (a necklace) of pure gold, composed of 12 bands and weighing 88 shekels, colored linen maklalu-material, for one royal dress for the king... A total of 12 linen garments."
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The term maklalu-material means fabric for a maklalu, a king's shawl, cloak or cape. The Land of the Hatti refers to the Hittite empire, and the Hatti people who live there when the Hittites arrive. Treaties exist between countries in the past, such as identification of territory borders. None fall under the definition of an actual treaty of peace.
The Eternal Treaty (Treaty of Kadesh)
The two women use their influence to negotiate a long-term peace agreement and alliance. Both Kings swear an oath not to attack each other and to maintain friendship between the Egyptians and Hittites. Each King receives a silver copy.
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Although their contribution to the world's first peace treaty is not always recognized, Queen Puduhepa and King's Wife Nefertari are the key players and catalysts of this remarkable event. Peace comes to Egypt and the Hittite Empire due to the actions of these women.
Because of failing health, Nefertari dies three years later. Puduhepa reigns well as Hittite Queen. After the death of King Hattusili III in 1236 BCE, her son takes the Hittite throne. Puduhepa receives the title of Goddess Queen.
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Hittites and Egyptians never fight again. Puduhepa continues her role as diplomat, takes time to organize the thousands of Hittite deities, and dies in the year 1200 BCE at the age of 90. Twenty years later, the Hittites fall victim to numerous disasters of the Bronze Age collapse.
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