Chariot

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:

As a War Chariot
For Hunting
For ceremonies and processions
As Carriages
For Sport

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:

War chariots were expensive to produce
They were only suited to flat terrains

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
Each section of this Egyptian website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about the Golden Age of Egypt. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of Egypt, the Ancient Egyptians and of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun, King Tut.

Ancient Egyptians

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