New-Kingdom Egyptian - Nubian Spearmen

Before the New Kingdom, the Egyptian armies were composed of conscripted peasants and artisans, who would then mass under the banner of the pharaoh. These soldiers carried a simple armament consisting of a spear with a copper spearhead and a large wooden shield covered by leather hides. Cheap to mass produce and simple to use, during the New Kingdom it remained the weapon of choice for conscripted and mercenary troops. This does not means it was regarded as an inferior weapon however, it was appreciated enough to be depicted in the hands of Ramesses III himself, killing a Libyan!