War in Ancient Egypt (eBook)

Anthony J. Spalinger is Professor of Egyptology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. His recent publications include The Transformation of an Ancient Egyptian Narrative: P. Sallier III and the Battle of Kadesh (2002), The Private Feast Lists of Ancient Egypt (1996), Revolutions in Egyptian Calendrics (1994) and Three Studies on Egyptian Feasts (1992).

List of Figures viii

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

"For anyone interested in Egyptian military history, and wanting to
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