o The axle was set far to the rear for stability and a smaller
turning radius, and the crew consisted of two men: a driver
who also carried a shield and a warrior armed with a compound
bow and javelins.o These vehicles could be readily broken down and carried by
infantry in order to traverse rough ground. Their main purpose
was to serve as rapidly moving archery platforms that could
charge, spin around, retreat, and charge again while unleashing
ÀLJKWVRIGHDGO\DUURZVx In addition to being the higher-status units of the army, the
charioteers were also some of the more highly trained soldiers.
When he accompanied the army, the pharaoh naturally assumed the
role of the lead charioteer.x Although there was a permanent professional core to the army, in
times of war, the majority of the ranks, especially the infantry, were
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with simple spears, bows, or a bronze axe or sword. Body armor
was minimal, perhaps a skullcap or jerkin made of stiffened fabric
or leather.The Hittite Army and Its Technology
x Muwatalli had assembled a gigantic army, with an estimated size
of 30,000 to 40,000 men and several thousand chariots. One source
claims that there were 3,500 of these; if that number is accurate, this
battle may well have been the largest clash of chariots in history.
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Egyptian version:
o It had a much heavier design, with a larger and more solid
rectangular wooden cab.o The axle was centered beneath the cab rather than to the rear.