EGYPTIAN. Under the Old and Middle em pires (down to about 1900 n.c.), the wars of Egypt were comparatively unimportant. During this period a sort of feudal system prevailed, and the main strength of the army was furnished by the militia of the nomes, commanded by the monarchs or their deputies, together with the contingents of the great temple estates and of the royal domains. In addition, a certain number of mercenary troops were drawn from the tribes of northern Nubia. Under the twelfth dynasty, and perhaps earlier. there was also a permanent corps, the "Retainers of the King," which seems to have filled the place of a standing army. No cavalry or chariot force existed, as the horse does not appear to have been introduced into Egypt until about n.c. 1600.
The Hyksos wars, which swept away the old feudal system, aroused the military spirit of Egypt, and under the New Empire (from about 1580 n.c.) a standing army was a necessity. It
was composed chiefly of barbarian mercenaries, the native troops playing a rather unimportant part. Under the Sallie dynasty (we. 645-525), Greek mercenaries were largely employed. The bulk of the army under the New Empire was formed by the infantry, armed with spear and heavy shield, or with light buckler and bow. The chariot force constituted the flower of the army. Each chariot contained two soldiers, of whom one fought with his bow and other weapons, while his comrade drove the horses. Great attention was paid to organization and discipline. The troops were divided into regi ments and companies, and, in time of war at. least, the regiments were formed into brigades or divisions. A special force, called the Mazay, was organized as a gendarmerie, or armed con stabulary, hut was sometimes employed in war. See Erman, Life in Ancient Egypt (London and New York, 1894), chapter xx.