| The Military of Ancient Egypt By Phyllis Naegeli |  |
1 During its three thousand year history, Ancient Egypt became a force to reckon with. Its military included both an army and a navy. Great battles were fought with the pharaoh as commander-in-chief. What was it like to be in the army or navy of this ancient civilization?2 Prior to the Hyksos' control of Ancient Egypt from approximately 1674 B.C to 1567 B.C., Ancient Egypt's army was formed on an "as needed" basis. When the pharaoh wanted to invade a country, he would force men to serve in the military. Following their emancipation from the Hyksos, the need for a full time military force was apparent. It is believed that Amosis I was the first pharaoh to enlist a professional fighting force on a full time basis. The pharaohs that followed carried on this practice and provided Ancient Egypt with an army and navy to help build the empire.
3 The army was an organized fighting force. Men were enlisted from the general population and foreign lands to be a part of Ancient Egypt's military. In addition, the practice of conscription was used. It is believed that up to ten percent of the male population was forced into military service. The pharaoh also offered incentives to upperclassmen to join the military. Land, wealth, booty, promotions, and positions as officers were given to the noble men of Ancient Egypt. Their sons were only allowed to inherit the possessions gained in service if they, too, joined the military. This was quite an incentive to the upper classes to be a part of the armed forces.
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