The Hittites

The Hittite army of this period was built round a strong and large chariot corps. This chariot corps was supported by many different types of foot units unlike the Egyptian army. Hittite Allies were formed round a core of Hittite units. It is believed that the chariots would carry three men. One driver with shield, a fighter and a runner.

Hittite Chariot With Runner

The Chariots

The Hittite chariots were substantial when compared to the rattan vehicles of the Egyptians. The axle was placed in such a way that it made the Hittite chariot less maneuverable than that of the Egyptian chariots. Some modern sources reject this and state that they were equally maneuverable as their Egyptian vehicles. One thing is clear though and that is the Hittite chariots were of wood and not rattan. Each chariot was drawn by two horses.

Arms and Armor of the Chariots

The Hittite fighting men on the chariot would not dismount. The fighting crewman would have at best scale armor and a helmet. For fighting weapons he would use occasionally a bow, a long spear and javelins with some kind of sword as a side arm. Shields might be part of the chariot stock equipment as well. The driver may have been armored or not.