Treaty of Kadesh

The Treaty of Kadesh, signed around 1259 BCE, was an agreement between the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II and Hittite King Hattusili III. It marked one of the world's first known peace treaties. Following a fierce battle at Kadesh, both sides recognized the futility of continued conflict and sought to establish lasting peace. The treaty included territorial agreements and mutual defense clauses. It exemplified early diplomacy, emphasizing negotiation over warfare and influencing future international relations. The treaty's legacy persisted, demonstrating the importance of written agreements in maintaining peace among powerful states.