Ancient Egypt’s deadliest weapon: The Khopesh

When I saw ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ with Christian Bale as Moses, I was intrigued by the weapons, shields, chariots and clothing worn by Egyptian warriors during the time of Rameses II.

Ancient Egypt’s military technology is an often overlooked area of Egyptology, despite being one of the most significant aspects of this ancient civilization. One of the most impressive weapons of this period was the Khopesh, which was the ultimate weapon for ancient Egyptians during the reign of Rameses II. This curved blade was designed to strike fear into the hearts of enemies, as it could slice through armor and flesh with ease.

Dating back to 2500 BC, the Khopesh quickly became the weapon of choice for pharaohs and warriors alike, and over the centuries, it evolved into different variations, each one deadlier than the last. The Khopesh was not the only weapon used by ancient Egyptian warriors; they were also equipped with spears, axes, and bows, all of which were used to devastating effect in battle.

In addition to their weapons, ancient Egyptian warriors also made use of shields. The most common type of shield used during the time of Rameses II was the rectangular or oval-shaped wicker shield, which was reinforced with leather or hide. These shields were relatively lightweight and provided ample protection against arrows and other projectiles.

The attire of the average ancient Egyptian warrior during the time of Rameses II was quite distinct. They typically wore a kilt made of linen or leather, which was held in place with a belt. They also wore a sleeveless shirt, which was sometimes covered with a padded jerkin for additional protection. On their feet, they wore sandals made of reeds or leather.

Overall, the military technology of ancient Egypt was advanced for its time, and the Khopesh was just one example of the incredible weapons and tools that were available to ancient Egyptian warriors. While the Khopesh eventually fell out of use as new weapons emerged, it remains a symbol of ancient Egypt’s military might and continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts with its unique design and rich history.