Armies in the Fertile Crescent

The Fertile Crescent, bounded by mountains in the north and desert to the south gave birth to civilisations in Egypt and Syria, and Mesopotamia and Babylon in the Tigris and Euphrates Valley. Primitive nomadic tribes are known to have organised themselves into small groups for governance and mutual aid. When they fought, their methods depended on surprise and individual strength and bravery. The brave were considered to be champions and there were others who were followers of these champions. If one champion fell, his followers were also slaughtered or enslaved.

No military organisations existed at that time. Even in Egypt's Early Empire, around 3000 BC, there was hardly any military force except for the small militia which the kings maintained for defense against marauders. The Middle Empire of 2000 BC was engrossed in seeking knowledge and developing maritime commerce. The art of fortification was well developed, which was adequate for self protection. It also kept them isolated from outside contact.

Although the Egyptians were not known to be warlike, the Old and the Middle Empires had companies of archers, heavy infantry armed with spears and shields, and light infantry carrying smaller shields and battle axes. It was not until the New Empire in 1500 BC, in the time of the nineteenth dynasty, that there is any significant mention of a massed army or a battle.