Egyptian Organization

The Egyptian army used corps and divisions. Corps would be any number of divisions not to exceed 4 and later 5. Each division had three basic types of units. These included line infantry in close or loose order being having armor, shields, and using the spear or cutting weapons (strong armed boys). In support of this group was another organization perhaps equal in size of archers (shooters) who could assume a number of different orders for formation (open, loose or even close order). The third part of the division were the chariot units.

Organization of the Division
squad of 10 men
platoon {of 5 squads} of 50 men
company {of 5 platoons} of 250 men
Host or regiment {of 2 or more companies} 500 men
division {of 10 hosts} of 5000 men

A division was made up of 10 regiments or hosts of 500 men each. Up to half (5 regiments) would be Egyptian line infantry and the remainder (5 regiments) archers. Their number would total 4000 to 5000 men total. The line infantry were arranged in blocks and whose intention it was to make contact with the enemy foot. As the line regiments approached the enemy the other 5 regiments would pepper the enemy with endless volleys of arrows or missiles.

Mercenaries of some kind or other (slingers, javelineers or non Egyptian archers) might augment a division.

The third group of the division and to our mind the most interesting were the chariot squads. They were important not as assault units but rather as a support arm to the line infantry. Twenty five chariots would be used for each regiment deployed. A division of 10 regiments would have 250 chariots in support. The chariots might skirmish as the foot units advanced on the enemy. These could give the foot units time to assemble and deploy. In any case they would occupy the enemy as their 2 foot counter parts did their own thing. Without doubt the Egyptian division could between the foot archers and the chariots deliver numerous volleys of arrows on the enemy.

As noted the Egyptian army had 4 divisions in addition to the Royal guard division (called braves). The divisions were named for their respective recruiting areas. Eventually there were a total of 5 such divisions excluding the Royal Division of Sheridans.