Partridge, R.B. 2003. Fighting pharaohs. Weapons and warfare in ancient Egypt. – Manchester, Peartree Publishing

Abstract

Books on military resources of the ancient cultures are not so easy to find, therefore this one came almost as a surprise to me, especially for the broad field of subject it investigates. The first impression of this book is good, although since the first pages it is clear that Partridge did not write a technical book, but a popular one. The structure of the book is clear enough to be perused by anyone, from the casual reader to the person looking for technical data, yet the latter will be disappointed while the former will be delighted from the mass of pictures and accounts that are in this book. Partridge’s style is clear and somewhat concise, often quoting Egyptian or other contemporary (but translated) texts; yet sometimes the absence of details and direct literature references is a bit disappointing for the weapon archaeologist, while the book will do for most of the other readers. This is a good thing for a popular text, although I would have liked some more detail. “Fighting Pharaohs” opens with a catalogue of the historical enemies of Egypt. This chapter is perhaps the less satisfying, because only a passing mention is made for most of them, while it would have been interesting to read about these enemies in more detail. Most of all, a small list of sources would have been very welcome. On the contrary, the chapter is interesting for the reader that is not interested in the history of weapons and tactics but more in the general picture of the period. There is an abundance of pictures, even though in black and white only, but nonetheless, 15 pages devoted to all ‘enemies of Egypt’ are too few in my opinion. Read more...