The Ancient
Egyptian Chariot
The Introduction of
the Ancient Egyptian Chariot
The introduction of the chariot was believed to have occurred during the
period of the Middle Kingdom from
when chariots were introduced by the Asian Hyksos armies who invaded the
Delta during the period of the Middle Kingdom. Spears
and Bows and arrows were the weapons used by the charioteers
however, war chariots were used as weapons in themselves as
they could terrorize and scatter an enemy force by charging
them - it is believed that some war chariots had spiked
and bladed wheels which could hak the enemy to pieces. The
Hyksos also introduced bronze technology to the Ancient Egyptians. Up to this point important personages such as
Pharaohs were transported by litters. The introduction of the War
Chariot in Ancient Egypt revolutionised war tactics in Ancient Egypt
moving away from the limited and light weapons carried by the infantry
to a highly mobile army able to carry a substantial amount of weaponry.
The chariot was ideally suited to the flat landscapes of Egypt and
surrounding countries.
Uses of the Chariot
The Ancient Egyptians used the chariot for the following:
The War Chariot
The Ancient Egyptians used the War Chariot to great effect using speed
and mobility when fighting against foot soldiers. The War chariots
carried one driver, or charioteer, and up to two archers who were were
fully armored. The advantages of the war chariot were as follows:
-
Highly mobile
force of archers
-
Ability to carry
additional weaponry such as spears and arrows
-
Archers in
chariots were more effective as they could shoot arrows from
all angles and in different directions
-
War chariots
could terrorize and scatter an enemy force by charging them
- it is believed that some war chariots had spiked and
bladed wheels
-
The war chariot
archers could bombard their enemies with arrows intimidating
them with their heavy onslaught of missiles
The
disadvantages of the war chariot were as follows:
The
Ceremonial Chariot
The Egyptians used ceremonial chariots for great processions. These
chariots were heavier than the war chariots and were
inlaid with semi-precious
stones, gold, silver and bronze and
decorated with highly ornate
designs. These chariots were not built for speed or
manoeuvrability they were built for effect. They were
also built for comfort and large umbrellas were attached
to offer shade to those who rode in them.
The Hunting Chariot
The Ancient Egyptians used the Chariot for hunting purposes. The hunting
chariot offered speed and allowed an archer to concentrate on the prey
rather than the horse. The Pharaohs favored this form of hunting and
were accompanied on such expeditions by large number of their armies.
These chariots were also inlaid with
semi-precious stones, gold, silver and bronze and
decorated with highly ornate designs.
The Sporting Chariot
The Egyptians used the Chariot for sporting events and competitions.
Skilled charioteers were valued and the Ancient Egyptians enjoyed the
additional excitement of gambling on the outcome of these events. The
winners of sports contests involving chariot races were rewarded with
money and special
large collars known as the usekh which half covered the shoulders and
chest.
The Chariot as a
carriage
This form of transport was extremely
expensive and therefore only royalty or the very rich would be able to
afford to keep a chariot and its horses as a form of transport.
Chariot
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