Battle of Carchemish

Carchemish means the city of Chemosh. Being a city named after or dedicated to a good, it was a holy city (Kadesh).

After the destruction of Nineveh in 612 BC by a combined Babylonian and Median army lead by Nabopolassar, the last Assyrian dynast, Ashuruballit II moved his capital to Haran. Haran stronghold was then captured in 610 BC.

In 609 BC the Egyptian pharaoh Neco II, fearful of the rapid advance of the Babylonians, moved up the Palestine coast and eastward toward Carchemish to assist the Assyrians.

The great struggle between the Egyptians and the Babylonians for the control of the wealth of the Jewish State of Judah eventually led to the war between two giants.

In a fierce battle at Carchemish, Neco and Assyrian face the Babylonians.

In 605 BC The Egyptians and Assyrians were defeated at the battle of Carchemish. The victory achieved under the leadership of the crown prince, Nebuchadnezzar.

Carchemish may be considered a major turning point in ancient Near Eastern history. It was after Egypt’s defeat at this famous battle of Carchemish that the Babylonians were established as the next world power to succeed the Assyrians that rule the whole of the Middle East.
Battle of Carchemish

Battle of Megiddo in 609 BC

There are three most famous battles in the site of Megiddo throughout history. One of them Battle of Megiddo in 609 BC was fought between Egypt and the Kingdom of Judah, in which King Josiah fell.

In 609 BC, King Josiah attempted to block Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt as he marched north to assist Assyria in a fight against Babylon.

Possibly Necho’s northern campaign appeared a threat to Judah. King Josiah attempted to stop the Egyptians. Josiah suffered serious injuries and eventually died.

Before King Josiah untimely death he led the nation to a time do reform, removing the places of idolatrous worship and concentrating worship in Jerusalem, which apparently satisfied the teaching of the Book of Deuteronomy.

After the death of King Josiah, Pharaoh made Jehoahaz succeeded his father and became Judah’s new King. Then they overthrow Jehoahaz, deporting him to Egypt and replacing him with his brother Jehoikim. Jehoikim stayed loyal to Pharaoh for 4 years.
Battle of Megiddo in 609 BC

Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)

Battle of Megiddo was the first battle in history because this battle was the first to be recorded battle in history.

This engagement was fought near the city of Megiddo in central Palestine.

It was happened on May 15 1479 BC, between Egyptian forces lead by Pharaoh Thutmose III and Kadesh Alliance lead by King of Kadesh. King Kadesh of Palestine had instigated other cities in the region to join him in revolt against Egypt, who was undoubtedly backed by the military might of the Mitanni Empire.

The battle of Megiddo was Thutmose III’s greatest victory. The battle lasted seven months.

Egyptian power was declining, and following the death of the Egyptian co-regent Hatshepsut in 1482, Durusha, the King of Kadesh, led revolt of cities of Palestine and Syria.

Pharaoh Thutmose III was anxious to assert his power and restore Egyptian authority in the Levant. He was the first pharaoh who apparently took his own chronicles on campaign with him.

During the battle the Egyptian army harvested Megiddo’s wheat and after the battle, they took Megiddo’s chariots as war trophies.

On the surrender of Megiddo, Thutmose took most of the rebel kings prisoner, although the king of Kadesh escaped.
Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC)