Historical Background:
The chariot was an effective weapon during the Bronze Age. In Egypt they favored a light, highly maneuverable chariot from which the rider could fire arrows at the enemy. The Hittites used a heavier chariot designed to drive into the enemy, delivering a heavy blow at close quarters. The two empires came into conflict over the rich lands of Syria, which lay between their respective spheres of influence. Pharaoh Rameses II was the first to arrive at the strategic city of Kadesh. He settled into a fortified camp to await the arrival of the rest of his army. Only he didn't arrive first. King Muwatallish was camped near by, with his entire army. The Hittite king sent a stong force of chariots to attack. They first encountered a corps of the Egyptian army on the march, and scattered it. Next they moved to attack the Egyptian camp. The Hittite chariots succeeded in invading the camp, but the attack bogged down. The Pharaoh's Sherden bodyguards defended the camp, and Rameses himself rallied his chariots and counterattacked. They drove off the Hittites, and pursued them. Then the Hittite King led another force of chariots to attack the now lightly defended Egyptian camp. Egyptian reinforcements arrived just in time to foil the attack. The battle was an Egyptian victory, however a peace treaty between the two sides was soon completed that gave control of the area to the Hittites.
Battle 1:
This battle has not yet been playtested. This is my first attempt to run a battle with chariots, so playtesting will probably reveal some necessary modifications.
The Armies:
Right now no company is producing 1/72 plastic figures suitable for this battle. Atlantic/Nexus made Egyptians which are good if you can find them. Hat Industries is producing a Biblical range of toy soldiers, perhaps they will eventually produce some Egyptians and Hittites. Some paper soldiers are included which you can print and use. Foot figures are mounted two to a base, chariots are based individually. Base sizes were .75" x 1.5" for infantry, 2.5" x 1" for chariots. Foot units have six bases arranged in a double rank line. Chariots have three bases in a line.
- Egyptians (Foot units have six bases, chariots have three bases)
- Defending Camp
Pharaoh Rameses II (Overall Commander)
8 units of Chariots
5 units of Sherden Guards
Reserve Force (Ne'arin) Enter Turn 3
8 units of Chariots
5 units of Infantry
5 units of Archers
Hittites (all units have three bases)
- Advance Force
15 units of Chariots
Second Force Enter Turn 3
King Muwatallish (Overall Commander)
15 units of Chariots
The Board:
The terrain was flat and a 7.5 X 5 foot table was used. The Egytian camp and River Orontes must be modeled. The camp was surrounded by a shield wall, which seems to have been an earthen embankment topped by Egyptian shields. You can simply mark the location of the walls, or print and use the paper models. The river could be drawn with marker, or represented by blue felt.
Deployment:
The Egyptian forces defending the camp must deploy within the camp, or within 6" of the shield wall. The Hittite Advance Force deploys as indicated on the map, not closer than 12" from any Egyptian unit. The Egyptian Reserve Force and Hittie Second Force enter on turn three as shown on the map.
Resources
Qadesh 1300 BC: Clash of the Warrior Kings by Mark Healey, Osprey Campaign Series #22.
"Battle of Kadesh" by Blake Walker, HMGS Mid-South Dispatch, July 2001.
"The Battle of Kadesh" a DBA scenario by Chris Jones at the Fanaticus web site (fanaticus.org/DBA/fanaticus.html).
"Chariot Warfare" by Rich Knapton, Saga #71
"Chariots in Wargames" by Tony Bath, Novag's Gamer's Closet, Summer 2002
"Chariot Armies" by Bruce Bretthauer, Citadel, Spring 2001
Fightin' for the Pharaoh Battle of Kadesh (1300 BC)
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© Copyright 2004 by Matt Fritz.
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