What Do We Know About the First Peace Treaty in Human History?
The first known peace treaty, signed in 1258 B.C., ended hostilities between two Bronze Age superpowers.
When discussing history, it is unavoidable to bring up wars. Thankfully, human history is known not only for its conflicts but also for periods of peace that resulted in enormous progress for our species.
The earliest human peace treaty may have been a handshake between two rival clans. But we don’t know where or when it happened.
There is more evidence for the first recorded peace pact, between two Bronze Age superpowers, the Egyptians and the Hittites, in 1258 B.C.
During the Bronze Age, as technology advanced and international trade flourished, Egypt in North Africa and the Hittites in Anatolia spread their influence.
As both competed for control of the lucrative trade routes of the era, fighting was unavoidable. Following a series of minor skirmishes, the stage was set for an epic clash in the city of Kadesh, in present-day Syria-Lebanon border.
