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Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

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22 EGYPTIAN ARMY.<strong>the</strong> boys in Egypt born on <strong>the</strong> same day, <strong>and</strong> made <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ma military school, out <strong>of</strong> which later grew Sesostris' confidentialbody-guard. Among <strong>the</strong> number were many <strong>of</strong> his generals.Sesostris first gave re<strong>war</strong>ds in l<strong>and</strong> to his soldiers, asfeudal kings did in later centuries, <strong>and</strong> obliged <strong>the</strong>se dependents,as a consideration for <strong>the</strong>ir tenui-e, to go to <strong>war</strong> withEgyptian Soldier, in Scale Armor.Egyptian Soldier, in Linen Breastplate.him at <strong>the</strong>ir own cost, <strong>and</strong> always to be prepared to performthis duty. The Egyptian army was over four hundred thous<strong>and</strong>strong. The youths <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>war</strong>rior caste were carefullytrained. All records <strong>and</strong> traditions agree that <strong>the</strong> Egyptianswere excellent soldiers. The chief punishment for breach<strong>of</strong> discipline was loss <strong>of</strong> honor, which, however, <strong>the</strong> <strong>war</strong>riorcould, by signal acts <strong>of</strong> bravery, regain. By 1200 b. c. came<strong>the</strong> decline <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Egyptian power, <strong>and</strong>, under Psammeticus,mercenary troops <strong>from</strong> Asia Minor <strong>and</strong> Greece gradually supplanted<strong>the</strong> <strong>war</strong>rior caste.Infantry constituted <strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> forces.Chariots were

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