Date: Saturday, October 3, 4:30 p.m. Chapter meeting, 5:00 p.m. Lecture

Chapter: Illinois

Presenter: Peter J. Brand, University of Memphis

Location: The Oriental Institute, LaSalle Bank Room, 1155 East 58th Street, Chicago, 60637

Description: In the 21st year his long reign (ca. 1276 BCE), Pharaoh Ramesses II forged a treaty of peace and reliance with the Hittite Emperor Hattusilis III, thereby ending almost seven decades of conflict between Egypt and the Hittite Empire. The chief bone of contention between these two ancient superpowers was control of the fortified town of Kadesh on the Orontes river valley and the neighboring territory of Amurru, both located in southern Syria. Egypt had lost both provinces to the Hittites during the Amarna Period. Repeated attempts to recover them by force during the late Eighteenth and early Nineteenth Dynasty met with outright failure or sometimes with temporary success. The famous climax of the war came in 1275 BCE when Ramesses II’s armies clashed with those of the Hittite Empire at Kadesh. Less well known are the pharaoh’s dogged series of campaigns after the Battle of Kadesh leading up to the peace treaty of his 21st year.  Despite fleeting success against Hittitte controlled towns like Dapur and Tunip, the Pharaoh was unable to hold on to his gains in Syria. After the peace,the two sides exchanged gifts, numerous diplomatic letters and even two Hittite princesses in diplomatic marriages.
 
But what compelled Ramesses to pursue this aggressive policy in Syria despite repeated failures? Why after decades of conflict did he finally make peace? How did the Egyptians and Hittites adjust to their new alliance after such a long, bitter struggle? This talk will examine the ideological and emotional mindset that drove Ramesses II to war and consider how the Pharaoh adjusted his thinking to the new reality of peace.