Nubian Mercenary (kneeling w/bow), The Battle of Kadesh, 1274 BCE, New Kingdom Egyptians, The Ancients--single figures
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John Jenkins Designs

Item Number: NKE-16

Nubian Mercenary (kneeling w/bow), The Battle of Kadesh, 1274 BCE, New Kingdom Egyptians, The Ancients--single figures

The country of Nubia was divided into distinct regions such as Yam, Irthet and Wawat, but all the peoples were known to the Egyptians as the “vile” Kush, which was the Egyptian name for the country. These tribesmen were never any real threat to Egypt as they lacked any large scale organisations and were only at their best when actually fighting as auxiliaries in the Egyptian forces. The success of the Egyptian infantry units was mainly due to the archery sections which were composed in the main, of Nubians.

Nubia had been conquered during the Middle Kingdom, but fell to the king of Kush in the Hyksos period and was finally re-conquered during the New Kingdom. This secured the southern frontier and controlled the Nubian gold mines. Nubia was settled with Egyptian colonists in forts and “temple towns” and governed by a viceroy.

Nubian troops had been an important part of the Egyptian army since the old Kingdom. Nubian tribes included the famous Medja who were regarded by the Egyptians as the best scouts and skirmishers. They were known for wearing leopard and lion skin kilts and had ostrich feathers in their hair. The Medjway were very highly regarded by the Egyptians as they seemed to have a natural affinity for the military life.

SEPTEMBER 2024