Ancient Egypt: Battle of Megiddo

May 9, 1457 BC - Pharaoh Thutmose III (right) wins the Battle of Megiddo. Following his rise to the throne, several kingdoms in Palestine rebelled under the guidance of the King of Kadesh. Swiftly moving north with an army of chariots and infantry, Thutmose arrived at Gaza before pressing on to meet the rebel army near Megiddo. Ignoring his advisors, Thutmose opted to approach the enemy via the Aruna Valley. A narrow ravine, the Aruna could be easily defensed allowing an attacking army to be destroyed. Not believing that Thutmose would risk taking this potentially dangerous path, the King of Kadesh elected to post his troops on the roads to the east and west. Moving quickly through the valley, Thutmose's army emerged and made camp near Megiddo. Stunned by the Egyptian's arrival, the King of Kadesh scrambled to reconcentrate his army and form a new defensive position. The following morning, Thutmose attacked and drove the rebels from the field. As the rebels fled back into Megiddo, the Egyptian troops paused to loot their camp. This allowed the King of Kadesh to organize a defense of the city forcing Thutmose to lay siege.

Photograph Source: Public Domain