Ancient Egypt was an ancient civilization in eastern North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile. The civilization began around 3150 BC with the political unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh, and continues to thrive over the next three millennia. The history of ancient Egypt is divided into three kingdoms stabilized: the Old Kingdom (c.2686-2160 BC), The Middle Kingdom (c.2055-1650 BC) and the New Kingdom (c.1550- 1069 BC) periods separated by two unstable intermediates.
During the Old and Middle East, the Egyptian armies were very simple. Egyptian soldiers conducted a simpler weapon consists of a spear with a spear and shield copper large wood covered leather hides. A mass of stone brought to the archaic period, was later replaced by the bronze ax. The Lancers were supported by archers carrying a bow and arrows simple curve with arrowheads of flint or copper. No armor was used during these periods.
During the Old and Middle East, the Egyptian armies were very simple. Egyptian soldiers conducted a simpler weapon consists of a spear with a spear and shield copper large wood covered leather hides. A mass of stone brought to the archaic period, was later replaced by the bronze ax. The Lancers were supported by archers carrying a bow and arrows simple curve with arrowheads of flint or copper. No armor was used during these periods.
Ancient Egyptian Shields
Shields were first type of body protection on the stage. The ancient Egyptians were big screens as the man of limited use and the warrior in his choice of weapon. The shields were made of wood structure, often in conjunction with leather or rawhide, held by a handle or a leather strap attached to the central part. At times, we tried to release the shield of arms for offensive action, or at least make another weapon. Big shields were heavier, limiting the time they could be made, the speed with which the soldiers could not move and their field of vision.
Protection has been given to the effectiveness of the attack. Over time the large sized shields slowly reduced to a more manageable size if Egyptian soldiers could use their spears competence. In the bronze medal of the New Kingdom was sometimes used. Shields metal plates were heavier than leather shields with wooden frames, and does not necessarily mean better protection. As the bronze shield was divided by the sword and pierced by the lance, shield leather with its high elasticity has not been penetrated. The shield was carried by a strap slung over his shoulder and was reduced to a passive piece of armor on one side of the body.
Ancient Egyptian Helmets
As in civilian life, the Egyptians in war rarely covered their heads. This is probably because it is an arid desert and was warm enough. The pharaohs were an exception, they often wore headdresses, most often represented in the images that the crown of Pharaoh, linen and leather. Asians that the Egyptians often fought helmet. Foreign mercenaries serving in the Egyptian army continued their own traditions, which, if they were Europeans, as Sherden or Philistines, or Asians, generally for a helmet. Nubians, the other is never shown wearing a helmet.
Ancient Egyptian Body Armour
Because of the climate, very little armor has never been worn in Africa. Many paintings depict Egyptian infantry carrying a sword, shield, and a beautiful white linen girdle. The infantry was sometimes a triangle groin defense stiffened linen. Pilots wore armor from time to time scale, but many preferred broad leather bands crossed on the chest or wearing a shield.
Their chest was more or less protected, whereas the lower part of the body was protected by the shell itself. In soldiers began wearing tunics of leather or fabric with metallic coatings 19th Dynasty, scale and improved cast in bronze.
The pharaohs often wore scale armor inlaid with semi-precious stones, which offered better protection, the stones being harder than the metal used for arrowheads. Ramses II as charioteer battle was depicted wearing armor scale with sleeves, covering the entire torso. Often, the use of armor was symbolic or ostentation. E-gold combined with precious stones were made to members of the royal family and the gods are sometimes depicted as wearing armor.
Ancient Egyptian Shelters
Soldiers who are trying to destroy the walls or doors of batter are particularly vulnerable. Attempts by the early 20th century BC were made to protect them by protecting them with portable shelters. Egyptian siege warfare has never been very effective compared to the Mesopotamians who developed rams on wheeled carts, fire that protected well enough.