221: Ramesses II Raiders of Syria

The "History of Egypt" podcast episode delves into Ramesses II's military campaigns in Syria between regnal years 8 and 15. It describes the Egyptian army's attacks on towns like Dapur and Tunip, highlighting Ramesses' personal involvement and bravery, while also acknowledging the historical uncertainties and scholarly interpretations surrounding these events. The episode explores the strategic implications of these raids, suggesting they were more about plunder and demonstrating power than territorial conquest, and notes the absence of Hittite response due to internal power shifts. The podcast further examines Ramesses' portrayal of his sons in battle scenes, emphasizing the king's unique approach to showcasing his family in war, and concludes by teasing the upcoming discussion on the peace negotiations between Egypt and Hatti.