The army of Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt. For what purpose did the pharaohs maintain a large army?

Ancient Egypt was a state with an absolute monarchy. All power in the country was concentrated in the hands of one person - the pharaoh, the living God on earth, whom the Egyptians considered him to be. Ancient Egypt was not an aggressive state, but wars often occurred, first internecine, then, after unification, defensive. And when the state gained strength, it began to carry out invasive campaigns to neighboring territories.

For what purpose did the pharaohs maintain a large army?

• First of all, this is, of course, defense. Constant raids from neighboring tribes were violent and ravaged the earth.
• Secondly, this is the maximum increase in the number of slaves for cultivating land. Making raids on Nubia and Syria, Egyptians massacred in the slavery of the inhabitants of these countries.
• The third goal is to seize the sources of raw materials (metal, wood), so necessary for the development of the slave economy. To obtain the necessary raw materials, repeated sea expeditions were made to Phenicia and Crete. For the purpose of robbery, trips to Palestine and Nubia were equipped. That's the purpose with which the pharaohs kept a large army. As you can see, it was simply impossible to do without him.

The Pharaoh's army in the Ancient Kingdom

For the first time, a permanent army began to be formed precisely during this period. For their good service, soldiers received land. The main part was the militia of the nomas of Egypt (regions). The smaller part was made up of mercenaries (mostly Nubians). The initial equipment of the army was unsophisticated. The main weapon is the bow and arrows. Additional elements include a mace, daggers and spears. The helmet was leather, the wooden shield was also covered with this material. There were no units - all the soldiers belonged to the infantry. For the first time, fortifications also began to be built.

Army of the Middle Kingdom

It is characterized by improved equipment. New bows helped to increase the range of the arrow to 180 meters. For the first time chariots appear in the equipment. Improved the organization of the army, there were squads with a narrow specialization, for example, archers, spearmen, infantry with swords. Each detachment had a certain number of soldiers - from 4 to 600 people. Each nome recruited volunteers from among young people who after the service returned to a peaceful life. A significant part was still mercenaries from Nubia. Pharaohs in ancient Egypt participated in military campaigns, their chariot always led the army. Pharaoh dressed in special robes, integral part of which was a blue headdress.

Egyptian army in the New Kingdom

At this time, the military becomes a separate estate and in the hierarchy occupy the third place together with the princes, after the pharaoh and his viziers. Constant raids by militant neighbors demanded improved weapons, resulting in the appearance of swords direct and sickle-shaped, the body of the soldiers defended the leather shell with metal platinum sewn onto it. A structure appeared, and some types of troops were notable for ammunition.

All weapons belonged to the state and were stored in peacetime in special warehouses, and only warriors bought chariots at their own expense. The nucleus of the army remained numerous infantry. The main striking force was the chariots - they allowed faster movement, provided greater mobility and mobility. On the chariot, as a rule, stood two people - one ruled it, and the second - shot from the bow. Privilege to go into battle on the chariot was not provided to all, but only to the descendants of the nobility, very often it was ruled by young princes, sons of the pharaoh.

The army of Pharaoh in the campaign moved, divided into separate detachments. At long and exhausting stops, the camp was broken up. According to the organization of the Egyptian army, the battle began with chariots, they also covered the rear, followed by infantry squads.

Army and Pharaoh

Another answer to the question, with what goals the pharaohs kept a large army, is that it was Pharaoh's need to protect himself. Rulers always rely primarily on the army. This means of enslaving and oppressing not only enemies, often their own people. This is a significant support for insurrections and riots. Especially it concerned the Nubians, they were professionals and got paid for it. But there is also the second side of the coin. The army is also an essential political force. And very often she not only defended the pharaohs, but also actively promoted conspiracies and the overthrow of the ruler.

Heavy natural conditions, the need for the construction of irrigation facilities, the cult of the afterlife and, as a consequence, the grandiose and costly construction of the pyramids, defense against external enemies - all this explains why the pharaohs kept a large army. The slaves had to be taken somewhere, the neighbors of Egypt were best suited for this, and, of course, a permanent and professional numerous army was needed for the capture.