The leader of the Egyptian forces, [[Pharoah]] [[Ramses II]], led an army composed primarily of [[Numidian]] mercenaries against the Hittite stronghold of Kadesh. In his haste to capture the stronghold before the main Hittite army could arrive to do battle, Ramses and his advanced guard were cut off and surrounded by a surprise Hittite attack, but were able to hold out until Egyptian reinforcements arrived and repulsed the Hitties. Nevertheless, Ramses was unable to capture the stronghold and eventually made peace. | The leader of the Egyptian forces, [[Pharoah]] [[Ramses II]], led an army composed primarily of [[Numidian]] mercenaries against the Hittite stronghold of Kadesh. In his haste to capture the stronghold before the main Hittite army could arrive to do battle, Ramses and his advanced guard were cut off and surrounded by a surprise Hittite attack, but were able to hold out until Egyptian reinforcements arrived and repulsed the Hitties. Nevertheless, Ramses was unable to capture the stronghold and eventually made peace. |