Battle of Qarqar

The Battle of Qarqar was a major military conflict that took place in 853 BC near the ancient city of Karkar in Syria. The battle was fought between an alliance of several Near Eastern powers, including Israel, and the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian king, Shalmaneser III, led a huge army to attack the alliance, in which the king of Israel, Ahab, participated among others. The battle is not mentioned in the Bible, and it is described only in Assyrian records. The results of the battle are unclear, as both sides claimed victory. However, the Assyrians continued the campaign and eventually conquered many of the territories of the alliance. The battle of Karkar is seen as an important event in the history of the ancient East.

1. King Hadadezer himself commanded 1,200 chariots, 1,200 horsemen and 20,000 soldiers;
2. King Irhuleni of Hamath commanded 700 chariots, 700 horsemen and 10,000 soldiers;
3. King Ahab of Israel sent 2,000 chariots and 10,000 soldiers (the number of Ahab’s forces is a subject of controversy among scholars);
4. The Kingdom of KUR sent 500 soldiers;
5. The land of KUR h sent 1,000 soldiers;
6. The land of Irqanata sent 10 chariots and 10,000 soldiers;
7. King Matinu Baal of Arwad sent 200 soldiers;
8. The land of Usannata sent 200 soldiers;
9. King Adunu Baal of Ušnatu  ;
10. King Gindibu of Arabia sent 1000 camel cavalry;
11. King Ba’asa, son of Ruhubi, of the land of Ammon sent 100 soldiers.