16 апр 1457 г. до нашей эры - Battle of Megiddo

Описание:

Egyptian Empire
vs
Canaanites, Kadesh, Megiddo, Kingdom of Mitanni and the Hurrians



Pharaoh Thutmose III expanded the Egyptian Empire into the Levant, facing a revolt near Kadesh in modern-day Syria. Canaanites, allied with the Mitanni and Amurru, led the rebellion, supported by Kadesh and Megiddo. Thutmose III responded with a sizable army, as recorded on the Temple of Karnak, with forces ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 men. The King of Kadesh gathered tribal chieftains from Syria, Aram, and Canaan, estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 men, at Megiddo. Anticipating the Egyptian approach, he positioned his forces at the waters of Taanach. Thutmose III's army, after assembling at Tjaru and marching via Gaza and Yehem, faced a critical decision on their approach to Megiddo. Despite safer but longer routes, Thutmose chose the direct path through Aruna, believing it would catch the enemy off guard. Despite initial risks, Thutmose's strategy succeeded as his swift assault scattered the rebels, granting the Egyptians an unopposed entry into the valley towards Megiddo.


Thutmose seized the opportunity, positioning his forces close to the enemy overnight and launching a surprise attack the next morning. Despite the King of Kadesh's high ground advantage, the Egyptian concave formation threatened both Canaanite flanks. Each side had around 1,000 chariots and 10,000 infantry. Thutmose's central attack, coupled with superior maneuverability on the left wing, shattered the enemy's will, causing their line to collapse. While the Egyptians plundered the enemy camp, the Canaanite forces regrouped inside the city. Thutmose then besieged Megiddo for seven months, eventually forcing its surrender. The victorious Egyptians captured significant loot and prisoners, restoring Egyptian authority in the Jezreel Valley.



Thutmose III's victory at Megiddo expanded Egypt's realm, marking the beginning of a reign of Egyptian dominance in Canaan. Defeated kings were required to send their sons to the Egyptian court for education, fostering Egyptian sympathies upon their return. However, further campaigns were needed to fully pacify the Levant, with unrest continuing until several years later. Interestingly, the name "Armageddon" derived from Megiddo, highlighting its historical significance.

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