Kadesh Treaty: A Historical Milestone

Kadesh Treaty ( the earliest known parity peace-treaty)

The Kadesh Treaty is the earliest known parity peace treaty, concluded between the Hittite King Hattusilis III and the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II in 1269 B.C. This remarkable agreement was written in Akkadian, the international language of the time, and serves as a testament to the diplomatic sophistication of ancient civilizations.

Versions of the Kadesh Treaty

Three main versions of the Kadesh Treaty, all written in Akkadian, have been discovered:

• One copy, cataloged as VAT 6207, is preserved at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in Germany.
• Two additional copies are housed at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums in Turkey.
• The Egyptian version is prominently displayed on the walls of the Temple of Amon at Karnak and the Ramesseum, emphasizing Egypt's role in securing peace.

The Hittite version, however, closely adheres to the terms formally agreed upon, providing a more balanced perspective on the accord.

---

Background of the Kadesh Treaty

The reign of Ramses II initially began with hostilities against the Hittite Empire. However, as both powers faced new threats, such as the Sea Peoples, they sought to conclude a treaty that would allow them to address mutual challenges. This treaty established both an offensive and defensive alliance between the two great empires.

---

Key Excerpts from the Kadesh Treaty

Establishing Peace and Brotherhood

“Treaty of Rea-Mashesha-Mai Amana, the great king of the land of Egypt, the valiant, with Hattusilis, the great king of the Hatti land, for establishing good peace and good brotherhood worthy of great kingship forever:

‘Now I have established good brotherhood and good peace between us forever. In order to establish good peace and good brotherhood in the relationship of the land of Egypt with the Hatti land forever.’”

---

Mutual Defense Agreement

“If an enemy from abroad comes against the land of Egypt, and Rea-Mashesha-Mai Amana, the king of the land of Egypt, your brother sends to Hattusilis, the great king of the Hatti land, his brother saying: ‘Come here to help me against him,’ Hattusilis, the king of the Hatti land, shall send his foot soldiers and his charioteers, and shall slay my enemies.”

---

Discovery and Preservation

The Kadesh Treaty documents were first discovered in 1906 at Boğazköy Büyükkale, the capital of the Hittite Empire, by archaeologists Hügo Winckler and Teodor Makridy during a joint Turkish-German expedition.

The Egyptian inscriptions found at Karnak and the Ramesseum reflect Ramses II's desire to highlight Egypt's dominance in the peace process. However, the Hittite documents offer a more nuanced view, preserving the original terms agreed upon by both sides.

---

Kadesh Treaty: A Legacy of Diplomacy

The Kadesh Treaty remains a cornerstone of ancient diplomacy and a symbol of the enduring value of peace and cooperation. Displayed in prominent museums and carved into temple walls, it continues to inspire historians and archaeologists, offering insights into the complex relationships between ancient superpowers.