War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom (Ancient World at War) [Hardcover]

Anthony J. Spalinger (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ancient World at War | Publication Date: February 14, 2005

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For anyone interested in Egyptian military history, and wanting to learn more than the simple dry facts and the well-known major battles, then this book is an absolute must. The author is to be congratulated on this major contribution to our knowledge of warfare in ancient Egypt, presented in a very readable book, suitable for the beginner as well as the real enthusiast." Ancient Egypt

"A very handy and innovative introduction on the war machine of New Kingdom Egypt (ca. 1550-1070 BC)... shows a thorough familiarity with the ancient sources and relevant literature on military topics, ancient and modern... Spalinger's book is a stimulating and highly competent study no one who deals with New Kingdom warfare should overlook." Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Book Description

This book is an introduction to the Pharaonic war machine of New Kingdom Egypt from c.1575 B.C. to 1100 B.C.. Written by a respected Egyptologist, it concentrates on Dynasty XVIII and the Ramesside period, in which the Egyptians created a professional army and gained control of Syria, creating an `Empire of Asia'. The author highlights technological developments during this period, such as the new use of chariots and siege technology; and considers the socio-political aspects of warfare, particularly the rise to power of a new group of men. At the same time, he evaluates the military effectiveness of the Egyptian state by looking at the logistics of warfare; each chapter is followed by an `excursus' in which the logistical issues are analyzed in detail. The text incorporates pictorial and archaeological materials, ensuring a fully rounded treatment of the subject. A chronological table and a chart of dynasties and pharaohs also help readers to gain an overview.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (February 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405113715
• ISBN-13: 978-1405113717
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,941,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Scholarly Work, July 4, 2007

By 

Golden Pharaoh "goldenpharaoh50" (Calgary, Alberta Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom (Ancient World at War) (Paperback)

Spalinger has triumphed in his attempt to produce a very scholarly book on such a difficult subject. A casual reader might find him a bit verbose but what he is really trying to do is demonstrate how New Kingdom can be studied in an academic way (you know, with references and citations). This book is sure to be referenced in ancient warfare studies for the next 50 years.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good Scholarship, Bad Writing, November 17, 2009

By 

Barbara J. Wilson (La Canada, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom (Ancient World at War) (Paperback)

I have read many history books, including many books on Egyptology. I have been very fortunate that most of these books have been well written, some even beautifully written. This book, however, was so badly written it severely impaired my enjoyment of it. The only reason I read it from cover to cover (not an easy feat) was for the information contained in it. The syntax ranges from poor to atrocious. The grammatical mistakes are numerous. Words are misused or used inappropriately. The author has almost no grasp of idiom. There were times when sentences were nonsensical. Moreover, I had the distinct impression that Dr Spalinger put little thought into the writing in that it was unimaginative and bone dry. The fact that it is a scholarly work is no excuse. I have read many scholarly works on many subjects, and most of them did not have the linguistic characteristics of this work. I do not question Dr Spalinger's scholarship, and I am impressed with his argumentation, however I will never read another book written by him. It is simply too painful to see the English language butchered like this and it is too exhausting to derive what I should from Dr Spalinger's linguistic mess.

6 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Egyptian New Kingdom Battles!, March 18, 2006

By 

Gloria J. Carson "Nolan" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom (Ancient World at War) (Paperback)

This book discusses the New Kingdom wars, estimating how much was needed to supply the units, the speed, distances involved, and the military equipment. It had a lot more detail than I needed at times.