Fighting Pharaohs: Weapons and Warfare in Ancient Egypt Reviews

This book is divided in 7 chapters. In the first one, the author provides a description of the allies and enemies of Egypt; this takes account of the Nubians, Libyans, Bedouin, Hittites, Persians, Sea Peoples, Greeks and Romans. The next chapter depicts the numerous weapons, used in Ancient Egyptian times (such as maces, spears, axes, knives, bows and arrows), as well as the military equipment (shields, armours, chariots) and the materials (stones, flint, copper, bronze, iron). The third chapter presents the 9 gods of war Amun, Anhur, Bes, Montu, Ptah, Sekhmet, Set, Ra and the Aten. Chapter four deals with the structure of the army, the training and work of a soldier. It also informs the reader of the dangers and drawbacks in existence to a soldier. The fifth chapter details defences, fortifications and siege warfare, while the sixth one gives details on the various battles and campaigns that took place from the Predynastic period to the Graeco-Roman period. In the concluding seventh chapter, "The Legacy", the author argues that Ancient Egyptian achievements would surely not have been possible without the military. The book contains numerous black and white drawings, photographs and maps, as well as an index. Using archaeological evidence to back up his portrayal of the Ancient Egyptian military system, this is without doubt one of the most important works about warfare in Ancient Egypt. Recommended reading for the interested reader.