War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom

This book is an introduction to the Pharaonic war machine of New Kingdom Egypt from ca.1575–1100 bc. Written by a respected Egyptologist, it concentrates on Dynasty XVIII and the Ramesside period, in which the Egyptians created a professional army and gained control of Syria, creating an “Empire of Asia.” The author highlights technological developments during this period, such as the new use of chariots and siege technology, and considers the socio–political aspects of warfare, particularly the rise to power of a new group of men. At the same time, he evaluates the military effectiveness of the Egyptian state by looking at the logistics of warfare; each chapter is followed by an “excursus” in which the logistical issues are analyzed in detail. The text incorporates pictorial and archaeological materials, ensuring a fully rounded treatment of the subject. A chronological table listing dynasties and pharaohs also helps readers to gain an overview.

List of Figures. List of Maps. Acknowledgments. Preface. Chronology. 1 Prelude to New Kingdom Warfare. 2 The System of Early Dynasty XVIII: Technological and Physical Constraints. 3 Southern and Northern Expansion. 4 Social and Religious Implications of the New Military System. 5 The Battle of Megiddo and its Result. 6 The Pharaoh on Campaign: Ideal and Real. 7. The Later Military Situation in Asia and at Home. 8 Egyptian Imperialism and Thutmose III. 9 Warfare and Economy. 10 The Amarna Letters and War. 11 The Influence of the Egyptian Military from Late Dynasty XVIII to Dynasty XIX. 12 Early Dynasty XIX. 13 To Kadesh and After. 14 Merenptah and Ramesses III. 15 Egypt on the Defensive. 16 The Social System of the Military in the Ramesside Period. General Bibliography. Index

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).

"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