The Military of Ancient Egypt

Table of Contents

The military of ancient Egypt was a crucial part of the civilization's history, supporting its political unification and maintaining its state stability over three millennia. The ancient Egyptian military has a long history marked by periods of significant strength and decline, which aligns with the country's historical trajectory.

Introduction

Egypt's civilization emerged around 3150 BC, with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh. Over the next 3000 years, its history unfolded through a series of stable kingdoms, punctuated by relatively unstable periods known as intermediate periods. Ancient Egypt hit its peak during the New Kingdom, after which it slowly declined. In 31 BC, the early Roman Empire conquered Egypt, marking the end of the rule of the pharaohs.

Military Concerns and Defenses

Throughout its history, Egypt's primary military concern was to keep enemies out. The vast desert expanses surrounding Egypt served as a natural barrier, making it challenging for large armies to cross. The Egyptians built fortresses and outposts along the Nile Delta's east and west borders, in the Eastern Desert, and in Nubia to the south. Small garrisons could repel minor incursions, but if a large force was detected, the main army corps would be notified.

Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC)

The Old Kingdom was a prosperous era in Egypt's history, allowing the government to stabilize and organize a functioning military. During this period, there was no professional army in Egypt. Each nome's governor had to raise his own volunteer army, with these forces later uniting under the pharaoh for battle. The army mostly consisted of lower-class men who couldn't afford to train for other jobs. Soldiers were equipped with various weapons, including shields, spears, cudgels, maces, daggers, and bows and arrows. The most common weapon was the bow and arrow, with the single-arched bow used frequently during this era.

First Intermediate Period (2181–2055 BC) and Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC)

The pharaoh Mentuhotep II, during the Middle Kingdom, launched military campaigns as far south as the Second Cataract in Nubia and restored Egyptian hegemony over the Sinai region, which had been lost since the Old Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom's armies could reach up to 10,000 men​​.

Ancient Egypt's history spans over three millennia, beginning around 3150 BC with the political unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh and ending in 31 BC when the Roman Empire conquered Egypt and made it a province. Its history occurred in a series of stable kingdoms, separated by periods of relative instability known as intermediate periods. Ancient Egypt reached its peak during the New Kingdom, after which it entered a period of slow decline.

For most of its history, ancient Egypt was unified under one government. The main military concern for the nation was to keep enemies out. The Egyptians built fortresses and outposts along the borders to prevent incursions from nomadic tribes. Most Egyptian cities lacked city walls and other defenses. The country's geography served to isolate it and set the stage for many of Egypt's military conquests.

During the Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC), there was no professional army in Egypt; the governor of each nome (administrative division) had to raise his own volunteer army. Then, all the armies would come together under the Pharaoh to battle. Because military service was not considered prestigious, the army was mostly made up of lower-class men. Old Kingdom soldiers were equipped with many types of weapons, including shields, spears, cudgels, maces, daggers, and bows and arrows. The most common Egyptian weapon was the bow and arrow.

During the First Intermediate Period (2181–2055 BC) and Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC), the pharaoh Mentuhotep II commanded military campaigns south as far as the Second Cataract in Nubia, which had gained its independence during the First Intermediate Period. He also restored Egyptian hegemony over the Sinai region, which had been lost to Egypt since the end of the Old Kingdom.

New Kingdom (1550–1069 BC)

1. Foreign Campaigns: The New Kingdom is noted for several Pharaohs who conducted successful military campaigns to extend the boundaries of Egypt. Thutmose III, in particular, is known for his series of 17 campaigns that expanded Egypt's territory, and he is often referred to as the "Napoleon of Egypt."

2. Military Structure: The military was transformed into a professional standing army. Soldiers were paid in bread and beer for regular service, and they could also receive land, gold, and slaves from the spoils of war.

3. Infantry: The infantry was the backbone of the Egyptian army, and it was made up of archers, close-quarter fighters, and skirmishers. They were equipped with a variety of weapons such as spears, axes, and different types of bows.

4. Chariotry: The chariotry was an important part of the New Kingdom army. Chariots, introduced by the Hyksos during the Second Intermediate Period, were used extensively in battle. They were typically drawn by two horses and carried a driver and an archer.

5. Fortifications: Fortifications became more sophisticated during this period. The Egyptians built a series of forts and fortresses along their borders and at strategic points within their empire.

6. Navy: Egypt also developed a significant navy during the New Kingdom. The navy played a crucial role in the Battle of the Delta against the Sea Peoples under Ramesses III.