The Battle of Megiddo (1457 BCE) was a pivotal military engagement that solidified Egypt’s rise as a superpower. Led by Pharaoh Thutmose III, the battle showcased innovative tactics and advanced weaponry, culminating in a decisive victory over a Canaanite coalition. Thutmose’s daring decision to take the Aruna Pass played a key role in the triumph. This victory not only established Egypt's dominance in the Near East but also introduced groundbreaking military strategies with lasting cultural and diplomatic effects. The battle’s detailed records offer invaluable insight into ancient warfare, shaping Egypt's enduring legacy.
The Battle of Megiddo stands as one of the most significant military engagements in ancient history. It was fought in the 15th century BCE and marked the first recorded battle with detailed accounts, showcasing the tactical genius of Pharaoh Thutmose III and laying the foundation for Egypt's emergence as a dominant superpower.
This battle, waged between Egyptian forces and a coalition of rebellious Canaanite city-states, introduced innovative military strategies, advanced weaponry, and meticulous documentation, which profoundly impacted the geopolitical and cultural landscape of the ancient Near East.
The 15th century BCE was a period of shifting alliances, emerging empires, and strategic rivalries in the ancient Near East. Under the rule of the 18th Dynasty, it was transitioning into its golden age. The New Kingdom (1570–1069 BCE), initiated by Pharaoh Ahmose I after expelling the Hyksos, established a centralized government, fortified borders, and expanded Egyptian influence into neighboring regions.
Thutmose III, the sixth Pharaoh of this dynasty, ascended the throne after the death of his father, Thutmose II. However, as he was too young to rule, his stepmother, Queen Hatshepsut, assumed the throne as co-regent and eventually Pharaoh. Her reign (1479–1458 BCE) was marked by remarkable stability, economic prosperity, and monumental architecture. She also maintained a strong military presence in the Levant, ensuring that Egypt's vassal states, such as Kadesh and Megiddo, remained loyal. However, her policy of focusing on diplomacy rather than military conquest allowed underlying tensions in these territories to grow.
Upon Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose III began his independent reign in 1479 BCE. The transition of power provided an opportunity for rebellion among Egypt’s vassal states in the Levant. Led by the King of Kadesh and supported by the King of Megiddo, these Canaanite leaders formed a coalition to resist Egyptian authority. Megiddo, a fortified city strategically positioned along the Via Maris trade route, became the focal point of this uprising. The city’s location offered control over key trade and military corridors connecting Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia, making its capture vital for both sides.
Discover the various enemies of the ancient Egyptian civilization
Read More
Thutmose III is often called the "Napoleon of Ancient Egypt" due to his military prowess and strategic brilliance. Before his independent rule, he had been trained extensively in military leadership and battlefield tactics. His rise to power coincided with Egypt’s need for a decisive and assertive leader who could reestablish dominance in the Levant.
Thutmose’s preparation for the Megiddo campaign reflected the efficiency and sophistication of the Egyptian military. His forces consisted of an estimated 10,000–20,000 soldiers, including infantry, archers, and charioteers. These troops were supported by a comprehensive logistical network that ensured adequate supplies of food, water, and weaponry throughout the campaign.
Discover the pharaohs, kings, and rulers of ancient Egypt
Read More
Discover the weapons of the ancient Egyptian army and society
Read More
The campaign began with Thutmose leading his forces from the city of Thebes in Upper Egypt. The army marched over 300 miles to Gaza, a key Egyptian stronghold near the Mediterranean coast. The journey, completed in just 10 days, highlighted the discipline and endurance of the Egyptian troops. After resting briefly in Gaza, the army continued northward to Yehem, where Thutmose faced a critical decision regarding the route to Megiddo.
Three potential routes lay before Thutmose’s forces:
Thutmose’s generals advised against the Aruna Pass, fearing its dangers. However, Thutmose reasoned that the coalition forces would not expect him to take such a risky path. By choosing the Aruna Pass, he achieved complete surprise, emerging near Megiddo without encountering resistance. His bold decision demonstrated his ability to assess risks and exploit the psychological weaknesses of his enemies.
Upon reaching the Jezreel Valley, Thutmose III positioned his army strategically. His forces formed a concave formation, with the wings extending outward to envelop the enemy. The coalition army, numbering around 15,000 men, had fortified positions on high ground near Megiddo.
The battle was swift and decisive. The coalition army broke ranks and fled to the safety of Megiddo’s walls, abandoning their chariots, weapons, and supplies in their haste.
The Egyptian army quickly transitioned from battle to siege. Thutmose ordered the construction of a moat and wooden palisades around the city, cutting off all supplies and reinforcements. The siege lasted for seven to eight months, during which the defenders were gradually starved into submission. Finally, the coalition leaders surrendered, bringing an end to the rebellion.
The victory at Megiddo brought immense wealth and resources to Egypt. The spoils included:
The victory also reaffirmed Egyptian control over the Levant and demonstrated the effectiveness of Thutmose’s military strategies.
The Battle of Megiddo marked the beginning of Thutmose III’s 20-year campaign to expand Egypt’s empire. Throughout 17 additional campaigns, he solidified Egypt’s dominance from Nubia in the south to the Euphrates River in the north.
Thutmose implemented a policy of taking the sons of defeated rulers as hostages to Egypt, where they were educated in Egyptian culture and governance. This ensured their loyalty upon their return to their homelands. The integration of these vassal states into the Egyptian Empire created a period of stability and prosperity.
The battle introduced innovative tactics and weaponry that would influence future conflicts. The use of the composite bow, strategic encirclement, and psychological warfare set a new standard in ancient military history.
The detailed records of the battle, inscribed on the walls of the Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak Temple complex, provide an invaluable glimpse into ancient warfare. These inscriptions, authored by the military scribe Tjaneni, include troop movements, battle strategies, and even a body count.
The name "Megiddo" holds enduring significance, inspiring the biblical term "Armageddon", symbolizing ultimate conflict. This association underscores the city’s historical importance as a site of pivotal battles.
The Battle of Megiddo was more than just a military victory; it was a transformative moment in the history of ancient Egypt and the broader Near East. Thutmose III’s leadership, innovative strategies, and decisive actions not only quelled a rebellion but also established Egypt as a dominant empire for generations. The battle remains a landmark event, celebrated as the first detailed military account in history and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Egypt’s greatest warrior-pharaohs.
Make your dream come true and discover Egyptian mythology, battles, civilization, history, and much more by visiting the majestic temples and archaeological sites of Egypt. So check our breathtaking Egypt tour packages, or a majestic Nile river cruise, and choose your dream vacation.
From: US$460
Private 4 Days Cairo Tour Packages for UAE Travelers 4 days Cairo Egypt Tour package...
Tour Location: Cairo – Giza...
From: US$570
5 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour Package For UAE Travelers 5 days Cairo and Alexandr...
Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Alexandria...
From: US$1120
6 Days Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Tour Package For UAE Travelers 6 days Cairo, Luxor &...
Tour Location: Cairo/Giza/Aswan/Luxor...
From: US$1100
Amazing 7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Holiday for UAE Travelers 7 Days Cairo & Hurgh...
Tour Location: Cairo – Giza – Hurgh...
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
The Battle of 'Narmer', circa 3100 BCE, initiated Egypt's first royal dynasty under King Narmer, marking ...
Discover King Ahmos's leadership during the battle of Hyksos Invasion and his fight for ancient Egyptian ...
Use your time by reading more facts and information about the battle of Megiddo and how was King Thutmose...
© Copyright Egypt Tours Portal 2025.
