The First Armies: Bronze Age Egypt and Mesopotamia 3,500 BC—1200 BC

This paragraph delves into the historic Battle of Kadesh, one of the earliest documented great battles, where Egyptian ruler Ramesses II claimed victory against the Hittites led by King Muwattali II. The narrative describes the Egyptian army's initial setback against the Hittite's superior numbers and chariots, followed by a heroic counterattack. It highlights the significance of Ramesses II's alleged command of a 20,000-man army, an unprecedented force for its time. The paragraph also contrasts this with later military engagements, such as the Battle of Agincourt and Napoleon's campaigns, to emphasize the scale of Ramesses II's military might. The discussion transitions into the evolution of warfare during the Bronze Age, setting the stage for the video's exploration of the escalation of warfare and the rise of large armies.

The second paragraph focuses on the Sumerian city-states of Mesopotamia and their development of structured armies, as depicted in the Standard of Ur. It describes the Sumerians' warfare, which included chariots and infantry, and discusses the limitations of these early chariots. The paragraph also explores the possibility of a shield wall or phalanx formation based on the close standing of soldiers depicted in the Standard of Ur. It mentions the Stele of the Vultures, which provides further evidence of infantry formations resembling a phalanx. The narrative then transitions into the importance of close combat and the evolution of weapons and armor with the advent of the Copper and Bronze Ages, highlighting the significance of bronze in warfare and the development of new military technology.

This paragraph examines the logistical and organizational complexities of Bronze Age armies, particularly those of Eanatum, as depicted in the Stele of the Vultures. It discusses the extensive campaigns into the neighboring kingdom of Elam and the necessity of a sophisticated logistical system to support such military operations. The narrative then shifts to the rise of empires, starting with Lugalzagesi's conquests that led to the creation of a unified Sumer under his rule. The paragraph continues with the story of Sargon of Akkad, who overthrew his king, defeated Lugalzagesi, and established a vast empire, marking the first empire in history. It suggests that Sargon's potential maintenance of a standing army and the use of archers en masse contributed to the effectiveness of his military campaigns.

The fourth paragraph explores the defensive Grand Strategy of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, which, despite its non-expansionist approach, possessed significant military capacities. It discusses the Narmer Palette and its depiction of King Narmer's violent unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, indicating the role of organized warfare in the early Old Kingdom. The paragraph also highlights the defensive nature of Egypt's military strategy, focusing on the protection of the Nile core territory and the use of natural borders. It touches on the militarization of the Old Kingdom, the existence of conscription, and the use of Nubian mercenaries, suggesting a more complex military structure than previously believed.

This paragraph details the reorganization of the Egyptian army during the Middle Kingdom, following a period of internal strife. It describes the creation of a standing army strong enough to suppress private wars and protect the empire's borders. The narrative outlines the shift from a purely defensive approach to a forward defense strategy, with the construction of forts and the use of a defense-in-depth strategy to counter threats from nomads and Nubians. The paragraph also discusses the specialized military functions and the composition of the troops, including the introduction of archer units and the development of siege weapons, reflecting the army's adaptation to new tactical requirements.

The sixth paragraph discusses the military innovations and strategies of the New Kingdom of Egypt, including the introduction of scale armor, composite bows, and horse-drawn chariots. It highlights the shift from a defensive to an offensive grand strategy, with Pharaoh Ahmose I driving out the Hyksos and subsequent pharaohs, like Thutmose III and Ramesses II, leading campaigns into Syria and Ethiopia. The narrative emphasizes the professionalization of the army, its clear command structure, and the importance of diplomacy in maintaining Egypt's influence. The paragraph concludes with the eventual decline of the Egyptian empire due to internal unrest and external threats, leading to its conquest by the Persians in 525 BC.