The Story Of Ancient Egypt || Beginning of the decline of Egypt – Part 02

Battle of Kadesh:
- Ramesses faced a formidable Hittite force, leading to a heroic combat.
- Temporarily isolated during the battle, Ramesses fought against the Hittite host alone.
- Despite being surrounded by 2,500 Hittite chariots, Ramesses claimed victory, likening himself to the god Mentu.
- The Hittite army suffered heavy losses, including key figures like Grabatasa, Tarakennas, Rabsuna, Khirapusar, and Matsurama.

Outcome and Subsequent Diplomacy:
- The Hittite king, Khitasir (also known as Khirabu of Aleppo), sought peace after the battle.
- A council of war advised Ramesses to accept the Hittite submission without a formal engagement.
- Despite his victory, Ramesses withdrew his army without further exploration of the Hittite territory.
- A peace treaty between Ramesses and Khitasir established an equal relationship, marked by mutual non-aggression and aid in times of attack.
- Thirteen years later, a marriage between Ramesses and Khitasir's daughter strengthened the alliance.

Egyptian Influence in Asia:
- Post-treaty, Egyptian influence in Asia diminished, becoming vague and intermittent.
- Prudential motives led Egyptians to accept acknowledgments that satisfied vanity rather than exercising real power.
- Egypt's Asiatic dominion declined, and the nation reverted to its African boundaries.

Cultural and Artistic Achievements:
- Despite military setbacks, the reign of Ramesses II marked the pinnacle of Egyptian artistic achievement.
- Architectural wonders included the magnificent pillared hall at Karnak and the rock temple of Ipsambul.
- Seti I, Ramesses' father, contributed greatly, with his hall at Karnak recognized as one of the grandest sights globally.
- Ramesses' rock tomb was a masterpiece, surpassing the pyramids in complexity, featuring numerous passages, chambers, and corridors adorned with intricate paintings.
- Colossal statues of Ramesses, such as those at Ipsambul, reflected his inordinate vanity and artistic accomplishments.

Oppression of Israel:
- Ramesses II is considered by many as the "great oppressor" of the Hebrews in Egypt.
- He is associated with the harsh treatment and forced labor that afflicted the Israelites.
- The name "Aperu" or "Aperiu" may have been a general term for foreign bondsmen, possibly including the Hebrews, used in constructions ordered by Ramesses.
- Ramesses' extensive building projects were conducted mainly through forced labor, and the monuments suggest a significant reliance on foreign workers.

Physiognomies and Personal Characteristics:
- The facial representations of Seti I and Ramesses II show a contrast.
- Seti I's face is described as thoroughly African, strong, and fierce.
- Ramesses II's face is more Asiatic, reflecting his Semitic heritage through his mother.
- Ramesses II, while leaving a legacy as a great warrior, was also known for his achievements in peace, including the construction of the Great Wall, a canal connecting the Nile with the Red Sea, and various monumental structures across Egypt.
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