Fighting Pharaohs

The image of a Pharaoh smiting the enemies of Egypt is a recurring one throughout the Dynastic Period of Ancient Civilisation. Fighting Pharaohs looks in some detail at the range of weapons used, the training of troops and the tactics for battles and sieges, before looking at the military campaigns of the Pharaohs. Drawing on contemporary evidence, over three thousand years are covered, from Narmer to Cleopatra.

A concise introduction to the military history of Ancient Egypt, from battle tactics to weaponry and more. The excellent preservation of Egyptian artifacts—including bows, axes, and chariots—means that it is possible to track the changing nature of Egyptian military technology from the Neolithic period up to the Iron Age, and identify equipment and ideas adopted from other civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. From the editor of The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt, this informative volume, which includes an index, covers crucial issues such as military strategy, martial ideology, the construction of fortresses, and the waging of siege warfare; as well as the practical questions of life, death, and survival that confront individual soldiers on the battlefield.

The most up-to-date sourcebook on warfare in the ancient Near East Fighting for the King and the Gods provides an introduction to the topic of war and the variety of texts concerning many aspects of warfare in the ancient Near East. These texts illustrate various viewpoints of war and show how warfare was an integral part of life. Trimm examines not only the victors and the famous battles, but also the hardship that war brought to many. While several of these texts treated here are well known (i.e., Ramses II's battle against the Hittites at Qadesh), others are known only to specialists. This work will allow a broader audience to access and appreciate these important texts as they relate to the history and ideology of warfare. Features References to recent secondary literature for further study Early Greek and Chinese illustrative texts for comparisons with other cultures Indices to help guide the reader

Originally published in 1891, this long out of print classic is republished here in its entirety. The work covers every aspect of Egyptology and its popularisation as a subject of widening interest. It is a compendium of detail and yet extremely erudite and readable. An excellent work for someone who wants a systematic introduction to Ancient Egypt and Egyptology.

A concise introduction to Ancient Egyptian warfare from the Neolithic period through to the Iron Age, covering everything from battle tactics to weaponry and battle injuries. The excellent preservation of Egyptian artifacts including bows, axes and chariots, means that it is possible to track the changing nature of Egyptian military technology, as well as the equipment and ideas that were adopted from other civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. As well as discussing such crucial issues as military strategy, martial ideology, construction of fortresses and waging of siege warfare, this book includes the study of practical questions of life, death and survival of individual soldiers on the battlefield.

“An entertaining and informative romp, from the joys of imported beer to the horror of invasion . . . demonstrates the extent of Egyptian foreign affairs.”—Ancient Egypt Magazine The ancient Egyptians presented themselves as superior to all other people in the world; on temple walls, the pharaoh is shown smiting foreign enemies—people from Nubia, Libya and the Levant or crushing them beneath his chariot. But despite such imagery, from the beginning of their history, the Egyptians also enjoyed friendly relations with neighboring cultures; both Egyptians and foreigners crossed the deserts and seas exchanging goods gathered from across the known world. War & Trade with the Pharaohs explores Egypt’s connections with the wider world over the course of 3,000 years, introducing readers to ancient diplomacy, travel, trade, warfare, domination, and immigration—both Egyptians living abroad and foreigners living in Egypt. It covers military campaigns and trade in periods of strength—including such important events as the Battle of Qadesh under Ramesses II and Hatshepsut’s trading mission to the mysterious land of Punt—and Egypt’s foreign relations during times of political weakness, when foreign dynasties ruled parts of the country. From early interactions with traders on desolate desert tracks, to sunken Mediterranean trading vessels, the Nubian Kingdom of Kerma, Nile fortresses, the Sea Peoples, and Persian satraps, there is always a rich story to tell behind Egypt’s foreign relations. “Garry Shaw’s book is something of a revelation, a different way of looking at what we know about the Ancient Egyptians and their amazing culture.”—Books Monthly “As inherently fascinating a read as it is exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented.”—Midwest Book Review