Brugsch, Heinrich: Egypt under the pharaohs: a history derived entirely from the monuments (London, 1891)

266 THE BATTLE OF KADESH oh. XH-

Mercenary troops are not wanting, for the Colchian
Shardana, whose fine linen was well known to antiquity
under the name of Sardonian, appear among the-
Egyptian allies. They are distinguished by their hel-
mets with horns and a ball-shaped crest, by their long
swords and the round shields on their left arm, while
their right hand grasps a spear.

The Kheta and their allies are also vividly repre-
sented. The Canaanites are distinguished in the most
striking manner from the allies, of races unknown to-

L.-

us, who are attired with turban-like coverings for
the head, or with high caps such as are still worn at
the present day by the Persians. Short swords, lances,,
bows and arrows, form the weapons of the Egyptian
enemies. Among the Tuhir, ' chosen ones,' who foUow
in the train of the Kheta king are the Qelau, or
' slingers,' who formed his body-guard.

Wonderfully rich is the great battle-picture which
represents the fight of the chariots before Kadesh on
the banks of the Orontes. While the gigantic form.
of Eamses, in the very midst of the mass of hostile
chariots, performs deeds of the highest prowess, to the
astonishment of the Egyptians and of their enemies,,
his brave son, Prahiunamef, as the chief commander
of the chariots, heads the attack on the chariots of the^
enemy. Several of his brothers, the children of Eamses,.
take part in the battle. The chariots of the Kheta.
and their warriors are thrown into the river; and
among them the king of Khilibu, whom his soldiers-
have just dragged out of the water, and are endeavour-
ing to restore to animation. They hold him head
downwards by the legs. The inscription by the side
runs thus:—

This is the king of Khilibu. His warriors are raising him up.
after Pharaoh has thrown him into the water.