The Egyptians

The Egyptian army of this period also used a large chariot corps but the army was not built round this arm of the service. The chariot corps worked in conjunction with 2 different types of foot units; close order foot units and loose archers. The Egyptian secret power rested in their ability to use three distinct branches of service in unision.

Egyptian Chariot

The Chariots

The rattan built Egyptian chariots were less substantial when compared to the wood vehicles of the Hittites. The axle was placed in such a way that it made the Egyptian chariot much more maneuverable than those of the Hittites. The Egyptian chariots were not made for contact being light weigh in construction and being drawn by two horses. It is believed that the chariots would carry 2 men. One driver and a fighter perhaps later runners were used, perhaps.

Arms and Armor of the Chariots

Like the Hittites charioteer and drivers would not dismount. This clearly differs greatly from the Achaean and Trojan use of chariots. The fighting crewman would have at best scale armor and a helmet. For fighting weapons he would always have a bow and javelins with some kind of sword as a side arm. Shields were not usually used although they may have been carried on board or left in camp. The driver may have been armored or not.