The Battle of Megiddo (15th century BCE)

I study two things because I love studying them: philosophy and history. Philosophy teaches us how to think. History teaches us lessons that are relevant today.

As a student at the?University of Idaho, I've spent considerable time focusing on Greco-Roman warfare. However, before these empires dominated the annals of war, ancient battles set precedents for the tactics and strategies later adopted by Greece and Rome. Let's look at the Battle of Megiddo, one of, if not the oldest battle in recorded history.

1. Background: In approximately 1457 BCE, two forces converged near the ancient city of Megiddo. Pharaoh Thutmose III of Egypt led his troops to quell a massive rebellion orchestrated by the King of Kadesh and supported by a coalition of other near-eastern city-states. Though relatively small, Megiddo held strategic significance due to its location, controlling important trade routes.

2. Tactics: Thutmose faced a pivotal decision: which route to take to Megiddo? He had three choices:

-Two direct yet predictable routes.

-A narrow and dangerous pass, which, if chosen, would surprise the enemy.

3. The Battle: The unexpected maneuver worked in Egypt's favor. Thutmose's forces emerged from the pass and set up a fortified camp, surprising the enemy. Thutmose forced the enemy to retreat into Megiddo, beginning a seven-month-long siege. Finally, the city capitulated—victory for Thutmose.

4. Broader Implications for Warfare: Parallels with History and Maneuver Warfare:

Speed and Surprise: Just as maneuver warfare emphasizes fluidity and unpredictability, Thutmose's decision to take the unexpected route demonstrates the time-tested efficacy of such strategies.

Importance of Intelligence: Knowing the terrain, enemy disposition, and potential risks is critical. Thutmose's gamble wasn't just luck but a calculated risk grounded in good intelligence.

Siege Warfare: The prolonged siege of Megiddo foreshadows many ancient warfare tactics, where cities were encircled and starved into submission. This tactic is prevalent in the Greco-Roman eras I study in-depth.

5. Why This Matters: Understanding battles like Megiddo gives us a glimpse into the evolution of warfare. From infantry formations to siege mechanics, these conflicts laid the groundwork for the colossal wars of the Greco-Roman world. Moreover, it offers valuable insights into leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning that remain relevant today.

By studying ancient warfare, we recognize that the lessons learned from past conflicts often repeat throughout history, affecting not just military tactics but societal structures, politics, and culture. By studying these events, we don't just learn about our past; we gain insights into our present and future.

If anyone thought this?#BitesizedHistory subject was especially interesting, here are a few books I would recommend.

"History of Warfare" by John Keegan

"The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt" by Ian Shaw

"Thutmose III: A New Biography" by Eric H. Cline and David O'Connor

"Strategy: A History" by Lawrence Freedman

"Ancient Siege Warfare: Persians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans 546–146 BC" by Duncan B. Campbell

"Warfare in the Ancient Near East to 1600 BC: Holy Warriors at the Dawn of History" by William J. Hamblin

"Maneuver Warfare Handbook" by William S. Lind

I'm Amish Smith. I'm a Marine and an Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho. I train students to become Navy and Marine Corps Officers.

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum ?

#BitesizedHistory #history?#military?#students?#highereducation