PharaLex/Texts/Ramesses II: Battle of Kadesh Bulletin
New KingdomRamesses II

Ramesses II: Battle of Kadesh Bulletin

c. 1274 BCE

The opening of the Kadesh Bulletin, the earliest known detailed military account in history. This text describes Ramesses II's campaign against the Hittites and introduces him with a full titulary before recounting the famous battle at Kadesh on the Orontes River in Year 5 of his reign.

1
Ḥrnḫtmry-Mꜣꜥt
Horusmighty bullbeloved of Maat

Horus, mighty bull, beloved of Maat,

2
Nbtynbqnsḫꜣḫꜣswt
Two LadiesLordof valorwho strikesforeign lands

Two Ladies, lord of valor who strikes foreign lands,

3
nsw-bjtWsr-mꜣꜥt-Rꜥ-stp-n-Rꜥ
king of Upper and Lower EgyptUsermaatra-Setepenre

King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Usermaatra-Setepenre,

4
sꜢ-RꜥRꜥ-ms-swmry-Jmn
Son of RaRamessesbeloved of Amun

Son of Ra, Ramesses, beloved of Amun,

5
ꜥnḫḏtmj-Rꜥ
given lifeforeverlike Ra

given life forever like Ra.