Chariot Units How They Were Used

While we can only assume how the Egyptians used their chariots highly unlikely that they charged formed foot frontally or even from the flank. The vehicles and their teams of horses were even more fragile than those of their enemies. Again use the chariot rules for a more detailed method of use for gaming purposes use Trojan Allies as found in Homeric Hack.

Egyptian chariots would attempt to charge other chariot units.The chariots were at their best when charging other chariots and when performing feigned charges against foot units. When fighting other chariots each would deploy in line in support of units of line infantry. It is also possible that the chariots would deploy in two or more lines but the intention was not contact but to do long and close range shooting of the enemy. It is more likely that the Egyptian chariots would evade enemy charges unless the situation was desperate as at Qadesh. The Egyptian chariot squads were shooting units and not assault units and bear no resemblance to modern tanks. That concept is absurd. They were an intricate part of a relatively sophisticated organization.

When forced to charge otter enemy chariots the same concepts of engagements written about the Hittites would hold true with the exception of runners. It does not appear that at this point in time the Egyptians used runners (it is debatable in any case).

The chariots would be more likely to draw enemy chariots off from the main battle lines. The enemy would chase the Egyptians who had with their bows longer ranges to shoot at their pursuers. The Egyptians might even drawn the enemy to the rear of their own (meaning the enemy’s own) rear. The Egyptian chariots were more of a threat than a danger and would skirmish or fight depending which was more advantageous at the time. Regardless of what course of action was taken by the Egyptian chariots the activities all served supporting the activities of the foot units.

The Egyptians seemed better to handle future threats due to their selection of where battles were fought and that their prime weapon was the bow for both chariots and some of the foot units.