Hittite Horde

Diplomacy was rather favored by the Hittite royals, possibly due to the limitations of their military logistics. War was seen as the last resort, after all the other peaceful options (ranging from diplomatic maneuvers, bribes to marriage alliances) had been spent. But in case of need the kings had emergency powers to press people into military service as well as calling upon distant subjects and allies for contingents. Historians hypothize that the Hittite army could regularly muster around 5000 and 10000 men for their expeditionary campaigns.The Hittite army at Kadesh, according to Ramesses account, numbered around 47000 so it was probably reinforced by a large number of conscripts as well as many mercenaries and allied troops.