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Q

Quadesh / Kadesh

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Kadesh (modern Tall an-NabÄ« Mind) is an ancient city on the Orontes River in western Syria. Kadesh was an important center of trade in the ancient world. 

Kadesh had a strategic position for the Egyptian expansion into Syria during the 13th century BC.  Historical records show two significant battles that were fought in Kadesh.

The city is mentioned for the first time in Egyptian sources when Thutmose III. (1479–1426 BC.) defeated a Syrian insurrection under the leadership of the prince of Kadesh at Megiddo in Palestine. Kadesh remained an outpost of Egyptian influence until it came under Hittite rule (c. 1340 BC.).

It is probably best known as the famous battle site in 1274 BC. between the Egyptian pharaoh, Rameses II. (The Great, 1279-1213 BC.) and King Muwatalli II (1295-1272 BC.) of the Hittite Empire.

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