Soldier of the Pharaoh Middle Kingdom Egypt 2055–1650 BC

by Fields, Nic; Bull, Peter

• ISBN13: 9781846031069
• ISBN10: 1846031060
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-20
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

The pharaohs of Egypt have captured the imagination of readers throughout the ages. Their existence and power have been given a mythical status. In this book, Nic Fields reveals the truth behind these myths, and explores the lives of the ordinary soldiers who were the might of Middle Kingdom Egypt. Using rare artifacts, he pieces together the day-to-day existence of the pharaoh's army, from archers and hand-to-hand fighters, through to the "sole-companions" of the pharaoh. Quoting from ancient sources Dr Fields depicts the battles on land and at sea in dramatic detail, whilst all the time providing a rare insight into the minutiae of the soldier's life: from the food he ate through to the gods he worshipped. This book is a delight for any reader interested in the mystery of Ancient Egypt.

Author Biography

Dr Nic Fields started his career as a biochemist before joining the Royal Marines. After leaving the military, he went back to University and completed a BA and PhD in Ancient History at the University of Newcastle. He was Assistant Director at the British School at Athens, Greece, and then a lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh. Nic is now a freelance author and researcher based in southwest France. The author lives in France.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 4
Chronology	p. 6
Serving the Pharaoh	p. 8
Recruitment and Training	p. 10
Soldiers and Equipment	p. 13
Dress
Archers	p. 14
Bows
Arrows
Ancillary equipment
Hand-to-Hand Fighters	p. 18
Battleaxes
Spears
Daggers
Shields
Retainers	p. 22
Auxiliaries	p. 23
On Water	p. 24
On Land	p. 31
Battle
Death in battle
Medical Treatment	p. 35
Routine risks
Chances of survival
Beyond the Border	p. 39
The Nubian front
Army Life	p. 46
Garrison life
Border Patrols
Punitive raids
Religious Beliefs and War	p. 56
Amulets
Egyptian gods
Glossary	p. 61
Bibliography	p. 62
Index	p. 64
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