Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC) - Definition

The Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC) was fought between Egyptian forces under the command of the pharaoh Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Kadesh. It is one of the first ancient battles to have been recorded in detail.

Various precise dates have been suggested for the battle. That date most favoured by Egyptologists is 1457 BC (according to the widely-accepted Middle Chronology), although many other publications place the battle in 1482 BC or 1479 BC.

The Battle of Megiddo was an Egyptian victory and resulted in a rout of the Canaanite forces, which fled to safety in the city of Megiddo. Their action resulted in the subsequent Siege of Megiddo.

Further reading

Donald B. Redford, The Wars in Syria and Palestine of Tuthmose III, Leiden: Brill, 2003. ISBN 9004129898

External links

• An Egyptian account of the Battle of Megiddo (http://www.hillsdale.edu/dept/History/War/Classical/Egypt/1469-Megiddo-Egypt.htm)
• A modern description of the Battle of Megiddo (http://nefertiti.iwebland.com/megiddobattle.htm)