Tutankhamun’s Armies: Battle and Conquest during Ancient Egypt’s Late 18th Dynasty
Despite the specific title, this book covers more than the short reign of the boy-king Tutankhamun; it is a complete overview of Egyptian political and military history from the ascension of Akhenaten to the rule of Horemhab at the end of the 18th Dynasty. Beginning with a lengthy background on the area’s history and culture, including those of Egypt’s enemies, each chapter focuses on topics ranging from religion to politics to weapons technology, painting a vivid picture of the Egyptian war machine from the proclamations of pharaohs to the testimonies of common soldiers. The book is written in a straightforward, accessible style, neither too dry nor too flowery, engaging and personal while remaining concise and scholarly. The illustrations are well-placed and helpful, never filler, and the structure is suitable for both spot reference and cover-to-cover reading. There is an extensive footnote and reference section for further study. Tutankhamun’s Armies is an excellent primer for readers not intimately familiar with the period (like this reviewer), while still offering detailed analysis and insight for the more experienced Egyptologist. A valuable addition to any military history library.
