The Battle of Emar was fought between the Canaanite armies of Retjenu and Emar in 1203 BC.
Having expanded out of present-day eastern Syria and into western Syria, Jordan, and the West Bank, the ruler of Retjenu, Irsu, sent his general Elhu north to conquer Emar, a city-state locked into a war with Halab. Elhu took advantage of this distraction by capturing Teshub before marching on the main city of Emar. King Arhalba of Emar and his army marched to the defense of his capital, joining the garrison in attacking the Retjenu invaders. In the ensuing battle, the Emarites attacked the Retjenu army from both sides, but the Retjenu left flank fought off the Emarite reinforcements as the Retjenu right outflanked the main Emarite force and helped with its destruction. Both sides suffered heavy losses in a bloody slogging match, ultimately resulting in a decisive Retjenu victory. Arhalba was slain and the garrison greatly weakened, enabling the Retjenu forces to take the city by storm, overcoming its 156 remaining defenders (led by Tabnit) with 101 losses of their own. Irsu proceeded to make peace with the fugitive Emarite king Teshupa, who was left to find a homeland of his own.
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