War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom

by Anthony J. Spalinger

This book is an introduction to the war machine of New Kingdom Egypt from c. 1575 bc–1100 bc. Focuses on the period in which the Egyptians created a professional army and gained control of Syria, creating an “Empire of Asia”. Written by a respected Egyptologist. Highlights new technological developments, such as the use of chariots and siege technology. Considers the socio-political aspects of warfare, particularly the rise to power of a new group of men. Evaluates the military effectiveness of the Egyptian state, looking at the logistics of warfare during this period. Incorporates maps and photographs, a chronological table, and a chart of dynasties and pharaohs

Genres: History, Egypt, Ancient History, Military History, Egyptology

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2005

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

War in Ancient Egypt is a good, scholarly overview of warfare in Egypt's New Kingdom and I found quite a few things in there that were particularly relevant to my interests. That said, I found the writing style tended towards dry and dull, and tended towards skimming when reading. I felt that each chapter would have been better broken up into headings and sections, rather than reading as one long essay.

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather dry scholarly treatise on ancient Egyptian warfare. It is accurate and informative, but a real slog to get through. Probably a good reference for those deep into Egyptology, but not for the lay reader looking for something that would bring Ancient Egypt and its military to life.

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. Small print, tedious reading, more like a text book, and the author seemed to put everything pertaining to the subject into it. Details, details, details.
Two stars for those reasons.
Four stars for the effort to collecting and compiling all the information.