Egypt for a long time remained one of the greatest states of antiquity. Since the period of the Old Kingdom (2778-2220 BC), during the era of the pyramid-builder kings, Egypt waged constant military operations against its neighbors, both offensive and defensive. Of course, in such "practical" conditions, the strongest army of the region was born - the fearless warriors of the pharaohs.
Military settlements
Regular army and chariots
At some point, the Egyptian army turned into a regular conscript army. The youth had to serve a certain period of time, after which the people returned to a peaceful life. A significant strengthening of the army was due to the use of mercenaries - most often the Egyptians used the Nubians. In the middle of the 17th century BC, the Hyksos seized power in Lower Egypt, from whom the Egyptians learned about war chariots.
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Equipment of the New Kingdom
The organization of the Egyptian army reached its peak during the New Kingdom. The army became not only a regular, but also a caste one; the state supplied the warriors with weapons (straight and sickle swords were used). Previously, a warrior was protected only by a helmet and a wooden shield, but now the majority could boast of reliable leather shells with sewn bronze plates. The infantry had already begun to give way to war chariots: the Egyptians realized that this force was almost impossible to resist.
War chariots
In the middle of the New Kingdom era, war chariots took over the main roles. Each death machine was equipped with a charioteer and a shooter, and foreigners were not allowed to control the war chariot. The warriors were forced to buy a very expensive chariot for their own money, but this was considered more of a privilege - at that time the army finally became caste.
Warrior caste
Even ancient authors divided the military caste of Egypt into Kalasirians from the eastern delta of the Nile and hermotibians who lived near the western delta. Their number was enormous: the Kalasirians numbered up to 250,000, the Hermotibians - 140,000. The Pharaoh did not allow these castes to engage in other craft: the son had to acquire military skills from his father.