Table of Contents
What was the main difference between the Egyptian and Hittite chariots?
The Egyptian chariots were faster because they only had two people aboard them, while the Hittite chariots accommodated an extra person, allowing more spears to be thrown from each chariot.
Why was chariot so dangerous?
To be as fast as possible, the chariots had to be very light, which made them very dangerous for their drivers, who were usually slaves or freedmen. Many drivers were thrown from a broken or overturned chariot. Given the dangerous nature of the sport, chariot racing was very expensive.
What were Egyptian chariots used for?
The ancient Egyptians used chariots — typically with one or two riders and pulled by two horses — for hunting and warfare as well as in processions.
What was the advantage of the Hittite chariot?
The size advantage of the Hittite’s chariots is what helped them to overcome Egyptian advance into their territory. The combined effects of Hittite designed chariots and iron made weapons were what gave the Hittite the power to unify their home region of Anatolia and expand their empire.
What were Egyptian chariots called?
wrrt
The Egyptian horse drawn chariot (wrrt or mrkbt) typically consisted of a light wooden semicircular framework with an open back surmounting an axle and two wheels of four or six spokes.
What does chariots mean in ancient Egypt?
The chariot is perhaps more properly considered as a means of transportation. It was the vehicle of choice of the elite and royalty in ancient Egypt, while the common people had to make do with carts towed by oxen or the humble donkey. Chariots were also used by the pharaoh to indulge in a spot of hunting.
Why were the Hittites so successful?
Iron weapons popularized by Hittites were used until Imperial times. Another reason the Hittites were successful in battle was their use of light chariots. The chariots they used were powered by two horses. The Hittites were made up of several tribes who spoke Indo-European languages.
When did Egypt get chariots?
1600 BC
Chariots, the racing cars of the ancient world, first appeared in Egypt about 1600 BC, and quickly became not only the preferred mode of transport for royalty and the elite, but also revolutionised military tactics and warfare.