One of the advantages Egypt derived from her unique geographical position was relative safety. Nomadic tribes in the deserts on either side of the Nile valley soon ceased to pose a serious threat to the highly organized and much more powerful Egyptian civilization; only during periods of instability were they a force to be reckoned with. Colonial expansion in the 12th Dynasty led to intensive campaigning and building of fortresses in Nubia, but it was not until the 18th Dynasty that the Egyptians encountered real opposition, when they entered the military arena of the Near East by contending for Syria and Palestine. The word mesha ’army," originally described both military forces and peaceful expeditions sent to quarry minerals: “task force" would be the most fitting translation. During the Old Kingdom, when an emergency arose, a body of men was mustered to back the small specialized permanent units. The situation changed in the lst Intermediate Period: instability brought about the creation of private armies of nomarchs and the use of non-Egyptian mercenary troops. The Middle Kingdom already knew well-organized standing military units, supplemented when needed by local militia. The force consisted mainly of infantry, with boat personnel integrated into it. The 2nd Intermediate Period and the 18th Dynasty saw an unprecedented advance in the development of weapons, military organization (the appearance of chariotry, organization of infantry into companies of some 250 men led by a standard~bearer), strategy and tactics. The standing army and professional army officers began to play an important part in internal politics. In the Late Period, foreign mercenaries formed the core.
Ancient Egyptian weapons of various types are known from contemporary representations and models as well as archaeological finds. The bow, the most important long-range weapon, was used at all times, either the archaic compound horn-bow consisting of two antelope horns joined by a wooden central piece, or the wooden, slightly double—convex, “self” bow. During the 2nd Intermediate Period the composite bow was introduced from Asia. It was made of laminated strips of various materials, and had a much improved range and power. When strung, the bow acquired a characteristic triangular shape. The quiver was in use from the Old Kingdom onwards.
Ancient Egyptian weapons of various types are known from contemporary representations and models as well as archaeological finds. The bow, the most important long-range weapon, was used at all times, either the archaic compound horn-bow consisting of two antelope horns joined by a wooden central piece, or the wooden, slightly double—convex, “self” bow. During the 2nd Intermediate Period the composite bow was introduced from Asia. It was made of laminated strips of various materials, and had a much improved range and power. When strung, the bow acquired a characteristic triangular shape. The quiver was in use from the Old Kingdom onwards.
The spear was employed throughout Egyptian history. The mace with a stone mace-
head of varying form, the most powerful weapon of close combat in the Predynastic Period, was in historic times replaced by the battle—ax with a copper ax—head.
Some of the early semicircular ax—heads differed little from contemporary tools of craftsmen, but already during the Old Kingdom a specialized shallow type appeared. This, and the scalloped ax-head, were characteristic of the weapons of the Middle Kingdom. In the Znd Intermediate Period a new typewith a narrow ax—blacle and therefore much improved power of penetration appeared, probably an indigenous development. The scimitar (sickle sword), an Asiatic weapon used in the same way as the Egyptian battle-axe [as a cutting or piercing rather than thrusting weapon], is also met in the New Kingdom.
Cudgels, clubs and throwing sticks of various types remained in use as side arms at all times. The dagger was used in the same way. Personal protection was afforded by the shield, already attested during the late Predynasric Period. Light body armor was known from the New Kingdom but its use remained limited.
The two wheeled horse-drawn chariot, introduced to Egypt in the 2nd Intermediate Period, was a light vehicle, made of wood with some leather and metal elements. It was manned by two soldiers: the charioteer, and the chariot-warrior armed with a bow and spear and carrying a shield, The chariot's mam contribution no the art of warfare was mobility and the element of surprise connected with it: in the attack, the chariots approached at full speed and the chariot-warriors delivered their arrows while passing the massed enemy ranks.
The chariot was not armored in any way and therefore was not suitable for a direct attack. Once the enemy lines were broken, the chariotry was ideally suited for pursuing and harassing the scattered foot soldiers. Judging from the appearance of special titles, the chariotry formed a separate arm of the Egyptian army from the reign of Amenophis III.
head of varying form, the most powerful weapon of close combat in the Predynastic Period, was in historic times replaced by the battle—ax with a copper ax—head.
Some of the early semicircular ax—heads differed little from contemporary tools of craftsmen, but already during the Old Kingdom a specialized shallow type appeared. This, and the scalloped ax-head, were characteristic of the weapons of the Middle Kingdom. In the Znd Intermediate Period a new typewith a narrow ax—blacle and therefore much improved power of penetration appeared, probably an indigenous development. The scimitar (sickle sword), an Asiatic weapon used in the same way as the Egyptian battle-axe [as a cutting or piercing rather than thrusting weapon], is also met in the New Kingdom.
Cudgels, clubs and throwing sticks of various types remained in use as side arms at all times. The dagger was used in the same way. Personal protection was afforded by the shield, already attested during the late Predynasric Period. Light body armor was known from the New Kingdom but its use remained limited.
The two wheeled horse-drawn chariot, introduced to Egypt in the 2nd Intermediate Period, was a light vehicle, made of wood with some leather and metal elements. It was manned by two soldiers: the charioteer, and the chariot-warrior armed with a bow and spear and carrying a shield, The chariot's mam contribution no the art of warfare was mobility and the element of surprise connected with it: in the attack, the chariots approached at full speed and the chariot-warriors delivered their arrows while passing the massed enemy ranks.
The chariot was not armored in any way and therefore was not suitable for a direct attack. Once the enemy lines were broken, the chariotry was ideally suited for pursuing and harassing the scattered foot soldiers. Judging from the appearance of special titles, the chariotry formed a separate arm of the Egyptian army from the reign of Amenophis III.
0 Comments