War in Ancient Egypt
The New Kingdom
Ancient World at War
1. Edition December 2004
312 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
This book is an introduction to the war machine of New Kingdom
Egypt from c. 1575 bc-1100 bc.
* Focuses on the period in which the Egyptians created a
professional army and gained control of Syria, creating an
"Empire of Asia".
* Written by a respected Egyptologist.
* Highlights new technological developments, such as the use of
chariots and siege technology.
* Considers the socio-political aspects of warfare, particularly
the rise to power of a new group of men.
* Evaluates the military effectiveness of the Egyptian state,
looking at the logistics of warfare during this period.
* Incorporates maps and photographs, a chronological table, and a
chart of dynasties and pharaohs
List of Maps x
Acknowledgements xi
Preface xiii
Chronology xvi
1 Prelude to New Kingdom Warfare 1
2 The System of Early Dynasty XVIII: Technological and Physical Constraints 32
3 Southern and Northern Expansion 46
4 Social and Religious Implications of the New Military system 70
5 The Battle of Megiddo and its Result 83
6 The Pharaoh on Campaign: Ideal and Real 101
7 The Later Military Situation in Asia and at Home 110
8 Egyptian Imperialism and Thutmose III 130
9 Dynasty XVIII: Warfare and Economy 140
10 The Amarna Letters and War 160
11 The Influence of the Egyptian Military from Late Dynasty XVIII to Dynasty XIX 169
12 Early Dynasty XIX 187
13 To Kadesh and After 209
14 Merenpath and Ramesses III 235
15 Egypt on the Defensive 249
16 The Social System of the Military in the Ramesside Period 264
General Bibliography 278
Index 282
learn more than the simple dry facts and the well-known major
battles, then this book is an absolute must. The author is to be
congratulated on this major contribution to our knowledge of
warfare in ancient Egypt, presented in a very readable book,
suitable for the beginner as well as the real enthusiast."
Ancient Egypt
"A very handy and innovative introduction on the war machine of
New Kingdom Egypt (ca. 1550-1070 BC)... shows a thorough
familiarity with the ancient sources and relevant literature on
military topics, ancient and modern... Spalinger's book is a
stimulating and highly competent study no one who deals with New
Kingdom warfare should overlook." Bryn Mawr Classical
Review
