by Anthony Spalinger.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: Egypt Attempts to Take Syria
Ramesses II led the Egyptian Army out of Egypt and across what is today Israel and into Syria to try and wrest away a piece of the Hittite Empire.
Muwatallis, the Hittite commander, apparently ambushed one Egyptian division and was attacking the Egyptian camp when Ramesses counter-attacked with his immediate bodyguard to blunt the Hittites until reinforcements arrived. That’s when the second Hittite attack struck.
The examination of the surviving source material — hieroglyphics and carvings — offers summaries of what was recorded by the presumably victorious Ramesses. It’s wonderfully encapsulated with bulleted points and then fuller explanations. A lively discussion of unit strengths and tactical distances involved makes for fascinating reading. The source numbers are a bit suspect as Ramesses tried to make the best of an ambush and stalemate, but it’s a comprehensive account that allows you to make your best judgment as to tabletop scenario strengths.
As the Egyptian divisions seem to have been stretched out on the march, an interesting what-if scenario might be what would have happened had Muwatallis waited to attack and more Egyptian troops and chariots were opposing him.
The booklet contains five black and white photos, 25 black and white illustrations (mostly recreated carvings and hieroglyphics), six color maps, 35 color photos, five color illustrations, one color 3D map, and three color two-page action illustrations.
You sometimes have to read carefully because the translations bounce around a bit when interspersed with commentary, but the booklet provides an excellent overview.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
