Before we begin, a couple of quick notes. This episode is much longer than usual. To keep it

manageable, I have divided it into chapters, roughly 20 minutes long. You'll find time codes

in the episode description, or every time you hear this noise, that means it's a good place to take a rest. Additionally, the Battle of

Kadesh comes to us from several distinct sources. In order to minimize interruptions,

I discuss these at the end. With that out of the way, please enjoy the Battle of Kadesh.

In late June of 1287 BCE, approximately, a day dawned in Egypt and the near east that would

prove to be one of the more famous in history.

It probably began like any other.

As the night receded and the pale light of dawn appeared in the sky,

Egypt's temples would have slowly returned to life.

Awakening from the death of night, clergy and acolytes began to prepare for a new day.

In the far south, at the city of Wasset, or Luxor, priests entered the magnificent house of Amun,

which today we know as Karnak. Passing the great pylons, the hypostyle hall, obelisks and courtyards,

the worshippers approached the inner sanctum of the god. Their leader was named Neb Weneneff,

the first priest of Amun. He held his position by the grace of the king, who had promoted him just four years earlier.

Today, Pharaoh himself was absent from the Nile Valley, and as his representative,

Nebwenanef greeted the god Amun and made offerings for the king's well-being.

A few hundred kilometers down river, another priest, performed similar

duties in the city of Hikupitah, the house of Patar's spirit, what we call Memphis. His name was

Hui, and he was the senior priest for Patah, the master artisan. Hoi probably approached the golden shrine,

drew back the door bolts, and then opened the god's house of wood and gold. Within,

the face of Pitaar emerged from the shadows. Impassive, thoughtful, the god of the spoken word awaited his daily offerings.

...