Battle of Raphia

The Battle of Raphia took place in 217 BCE between the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and the Seleucid Empire, near present-day Rafah. This significant conflict emerged from territorial disputes in Syria. King Ptolemy IV of Egypt faced King Antiochus III of the Seleucids. The battle showcased the strength of Ptolemaic forces, which, despite being outnumbered, employed superior tactics and effective war elephants. Ptolemy IV achieved a decisive victory, solidifying Egyptian control over Coele-Syria and enhancing his prestige. The battle is notable for its display of Hellenistic military strategies and the ongoing struggle for dominance in the eastern Mediterranean.