The Rise and Military Power of Ancient Egypt

👑The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by King Narmer formed the basis of the Old Kingdom and marked the beginning of organized warfare in ancient Egypt.

🛡️Ancient Egypt employed a defensive Grand Strategy, focusing on the defense of their core territory along the Nile and utilizing natural borders.

🏹Archers armed with composite bows, axemen, and foot soldiers were key elements of the Egyptian army during the Old Kingdom, showcased in wall reliefs and tomb depictions.

⚔️The deployment of Nubian mercenaries and conscription demonstrated the militarization of the Old Kingdom and allowed for expansion and defense.

👑Following the First Intermediate Period, the pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom reorganized and regained military power, creating a standing army on an empire-wide level.

Was the military of Ancient Egypt purely defensive?

—While Ancient Egypt employed a largely defensive Grand Strategy, they also had the capability to conduct military campaigns and sieges, as depicted in wall reliefs and tomb artworks.

What weapons did the Egyptian army use?

—The Egyptian army during the Old Kingdom relied on archers armed with composite bows, axemen, and foot soldiers equipped with spears. They also made use of chariots in earlier periods.

Did the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt employ mercenaries?

—Yes, the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt deployed mercenaries from Nubia, a region to the south, to supplement their military forces.

Did the formation of standing armies in Ancient Egypt happen gradually?

—The formation of standing armies in Ancient Egypt was a gradual process, with instances of private armies under local rulers persisting alongside the centralized military forces of the pharaohs.

How did the military power of Ancient Egypt change over time?

—The military power of Ancient Egypt evolved, with the formation of a standing army during the Old Kingdom, a decline in power during the First Intermediate Period, and a reorganization and resurgence during the Middle Kingdom.

00:01The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by King Narmer marked the beginning of organized warfare in ancient Egypt.

08:03The militarization of the Old Kingdom included the use of archers armed with composite bows, axemen, and foot soldiers.

19:11The defensive Grand Strategy of Ancient Egypt focused on protecting their core territory along the Nile by utilizing natural borders.

20:45Following the First Intermediate Period, the pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom reorganized and created a standing army on an empire-wide level.