FIGHT LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

The weapons and tactics that powered the empire

Battle Axe

The original Egyptian axe of the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BCE) was rounder and made of stone or copper before this crescent design made of bronze was adopted in the First Intermediate Period (2181-2055 BCE). This gave the axe a much longer cutting edge, making it much more lethal on the battlefield.

Composite Bow

At 1.5m long and capable of hitting targets from 250 metres away, the composite bow was made from a number of materials and likely imported to Egypt from Assyria or the Hittite Empire. Bronze-tipped arrows combined with this powerful bow to make Egyptian archers (often positioned in chariots) a fearsome threat on the battlefield.

Khopesh

A uniquely shaped sword, the khopesh is a curved sword that resembles a sickle. It’s only sharp on its outer edge, meaning it is more of a slashing sword, but could also be used for stabbing and can be safely braced along the back edge. The design actually originated in Mesopotamia.

Spear and Shield

The combination of a spear and a shied on the Egyptian battlefield was very common. The spear would be bronze-tipped, meaning it could penetrate most armour that the Egyptians faced, while the shield allowed a great deal of protection, especially when troops locked together. The bronze tips were actually an innovation learned from the Assyrians.

Chariot

When Egypt was at the peak of its powers during the New Kingdom era (1539–1292 BCE), it was in large part thanks to its utilising chariots on the battlefield. Heavily armed and mobile, they allowed Egypt to go on the offensive against its enemies, earning them important victories in the expansion of its empire under Ramesses II and Tuthmosis III.