The Battle of Kadesh (also known as Battle of Qadesh, a more modern transliteration of the place name) takes place between the forces of Ramesses II's Egypt and the Hittites of Muwatalli II at the city of Kadesh, the modern ruins and archaeological digs known as Tell Nebi Mend, on the Orontes River of modern Syria.The battle ss generally dated to 1274 BCE, around Year 5 III Shemu day 9 of Ramesses II's reign when the Pharaoh arrives in the vicinity of Kadesh (or more precisely: May 12, 1274 BCE based on Ramesses' commonly accepted accession date in 1279 BCE).

It is probably the largest chariot battle ever fought, involving perhaps 5,000—6,000 chariots.