Along the Ages,
the tradition goes on

The Egyptian army is the world's oldest regular army, which was engaged in its first wars in 3425 BC.
Along the ages such army has always had steady distinguishing characteristics, namely never to be the first to attack or occupy or usurp land or rights. It has always been for protecting peace and restoring rights.

Sinai, Egypt's eastern portal, has been used by many a mighty invader over the past centuries, and always the aggressors were defeated in and kicked out from Sinai.

War for Peace
Egypt as it was and as it will remain cradle of civilization, fertile place for sophisticated leaders and land of peace and tranquility.

Yes, it engages in wars, but the tradition goes its wars are always for peace.

Succeeding his father, Ramses II took over reign after a period of time during which he experienced how power could be used to run great kingdoms as Egypt.


Time-honoured kingdom
Ramses II was one of the Egyptian rulers whose character imposed celebrity on history. Getting involved in the kingdom affairs, for many years during his father's reign, Ramses II aquired considerable experience and became well-versed in both political and military policies.

There were several factors that combined to butress his stature and form his image; as he inherited a strong and unshakeable kingdom abounding in vast prospects and sizeable wealth. Assuming power while in prime of youth, he was vivid to realize his wide hopes and aspirations. Harbouring a cluster of politicians and civil experts in his palace, Ramses found no difficulty in delivering genuine experience which cemented his feet while running such time-honoured kingdom.

Keeping up image
So it was not far-reached dream to defeat the then most powerful military power of Hittites; as he managed - along with great army - to crush them keeping up a military image. Yearning to have his name eternal, Ramses II during his 67-year reign accomplished a number of matchless temples, palaces and obelisks, in terms of luxury and number.

In his era, Egypt had a new political capital whose name was echoed as one of the greatest in old oriental region. As for deciding its location, there were long argument about such matter. He selected this strategic place between Egypt and Syria which allowed the existence of great army to swiftly save the northern areas - when needed - in an age the hazards of the Hittites were not taken lightly.

Not to mention, the place he selected to be Egypt's capital had viable and defensive strategy as it overlooked Delta and the small boats can reach it easily and smoothly, in addition to the possibility to exploit floods in protecting it when necessary. This vivid era was perpetuated as men of Ramses had recorded his everlasting name on sculptures, temples and obelisks to be evidence to his deeds and accomplishments. The major burden in fighting the Hittittes was in Ramses era; as the leader of Hittites at that time - King Monally - was not less than Ramses in terms of intelligence or desire to demonstrate the power of his State.

Sending these campaigns, Ramses was dodging in and out, himself, leading forces. The external disorders have continued till the year 21st of his reign, as this time constituted a crucial juncture in the history of relations between the Egyptian Kingdom and the Hittites. Not to mention, there was a period of decisive turning point in the history of the old orient along with its tradition.

The State of Hittites, at that time, was experiencing severe and strenuous internal and external struggles, as King Monally - the arch enemy of Ramses - died leaving vast room for the Crown Prince and his uncle to fight for the aspired throne. Uncle Khatosilly managed to crush the Crown Prince, still realizing that Egypt will remain a harbour for his enemies. So he decided to conduct completely different policy while dealing with Egypt.

Peace accord
On the other hand, Egypt was in much concern about such new powers emerging on the oriental scene; looking forward to occupying the supremacy role. Egypt, then, became willing to take positive measures to regain balanced powers in the region. New steps, however, were taken, as the King of the Hittites delegated his two special envoys for the palace of Ramses in the Capital of Egypt. They were accompanied by two seniors of the Pharaonic palace where they reviewed an alliance accord.