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Battle of Carchemish
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Battle of Carchemish

History — Military history — List of battles

The Battle of Carchemish was fought between the Egyptian army and the Babylonian army. It was fought at Carchemish about 605 BC.

When the Assyrian capital Ninevah was overrun by the Babylonians in 612 BC, they moved their capital to Harran. When Harran was captured by the Babylonians in 610 BC, the capital was once again moved, this time to Carchemish. Egypt was allied with the Assyrians, and marched in 609 BC to their aid against the Babylonians.

The Egyptian army of Pharaoh Necho II was delayed at Megiddo by the forces of King Josiah of Judah. Josiah was killed and his army was defeated.

The Egyptians were further delayed, so that when they met the full might of the Babylonian army led by Nebuchadnezzar II at Carchemish, the combined Egyptian and Assyrian forces were soundly defeated. Assyria ceased to exist and Egypt retreated, and was never again a significant force in the Middle East.