Battle of Carchemish
Quick Summary
The Battle of Carchemish, fought in 605 BCE, was a pivotal clash between the Babylonian forces led by Nebuchadnezzar II and the Egyptians. The battle resulted in the expulsion of the Egyptians from the region, marking a significant shift in power. Carchemish itself was an ancient city strategically located on the Euphrates River, serving as a crucial trade hub. It had a long history, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Neolithic Period and later becoming a Hittite buffer state against powers like Assyria and Egypt. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nabopolassar, had also risen to prominence around this time, challenging Assyrian dominance. While the Battle of Kadesh in 1275 BCE involved Egyptians and Hittites, it was a chariot battle that ended in an inconclusive draw and the first recorded peace treaty.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Nebuchadnezzar II
…shattered the Egyptian army at Carchemish and Hamath, thereby securing control of all Syria. After his father’s death on August 16, 605, Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon and ascended the throne within three weeks. This rapid consolidation of his accession and the fact that he could return to Syria shortly afterward…
Read More…shattered the Egyptian army at Carchemish and Hamath, thereby securing control of all Syria. After his father’s death on August 16, 605, Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon and ascended the throne within three weeks. This rapid consolidation of his accession and the fact that he could return to Syria shortly afterward…
Read More 
history of MesopotamiaNebuchadrezzar II…just crushed the Egyptians near Carchemish in a cruel, bloody battle and pursued them into the south. On receiving the news of his father’s death, Nebuchadrezzar returned immediately to Babylon. In his numerous building inscriptions he tells but rarely of his many wars; most of them end with prayers. The…
Read More…just crushed the Egyptians near Carchemish in a cruel, bloody battle and pursued them into the south. On receiving the news of his father’s death, Nebuchadrezzar returned immediately to Babylon. In his numerous building inscriptions he tells but rarely of his many wars; most of them end with prayers. The…
Read More
Necho II…Neo-Babylonians, but at the great Battle of Carchemish (a Syrian city on the middle Euphrates River) in 605 the Neo-Babylonian crown prince, Nebuchadrezzar, soundly defeated Necho’s troops and forced their withdrawal from Syria and Palestine. Egypt itself was threatened in 601, but Necho repelled the enemy and continued to promote…
Read More…Neo-Babylonians, but at the great Battle of Carchemish (a Syrian city on the middle Euphrates River) in 605 the Neo-Babylonian crown prince, Nebuchadrezzar, soundly defeated Necho’s troops and forced their withdrawal from Syria and Palestine. Egypt itself was threatened in 601, but Necho repelled the enemy and continued to promote…
Read More