Ancient Egyptian Military Hierarchy

Ancient Egypt was known as one of the most powerful yet peaceful country in the ancient world. Well the reason was also the fact that the natural boundaries of ancient Egypt also provided immense and vital protection from outsiders and secondly Egyptian themselves were not a society of conquerors or invaders. The Egyptian army fully came into existence during the 15th dynasty during the second intermediate period when the invasion of Hyksos came into picture. The ancient Egyptian military hierarchy is being described below in brief in a pattern staring with the highest rank and ending with the lowest one.

Ancient Egyptian Military Hierarchy
Ancient Egyptian Military Hierarchy
  • Pharaoh / the King – This was the highest rank attainable in the ancient Egyptian military hierarchy. The Pharaoh was considered the commander in chief and all were to abide by the king’s decision and orders. Sometimes Pharaoh used to physically lead the military while sometimes he only gave commands to be followed on the field.
  • General of the ancient Egyptian military – The second highest official in command in the ancient Egyptian military hierarchy was the General of the ancient Egyptian military. He was also referred to as the overseer of the army. The general was considered to report directly to the king. Most of the times the son of Pharaoh was provided with this honorable rank.
  • Lieutenant commander – The next rank in the ancient Egyptian military hierarchy was of a lieutenant commander who used to serve as a senior officer in the military.
  • Overseer of the Mediterranean coast and Nubian frontier fortresses – This was the military official who was provided with the responsibility of handling Nubian frontier and Mediterranean coast fortresses efficiently for the Egypt.
  • Garrison troops Overseer – This was the official who was considered the head of the garrison troops for ancient Egyptian military.
  • Troop commander – Head of all troops was the troop commander. This official was considered the head of a couple of regiments and was provided also the designation of a brigadier as head of a fortress or a brigade.
  • Captain of the troop – Subordinate to the troop commander was the captain of the troop and in charge of the troop in absence of the troop commander. Commander of 250 soldiers used to report directly to the troop captain.
  • Commander of 250 soldiers – As the name implies, this rank referred to a military official who was provided a team of 250 soldiers. The troops in ancient Egyptian military hierarchy were divided basically in number of 250s and one official was appointed as their commander.
  • “Greatest of Fifty”, the lowest commander – This is quietly the second lowest rank in the hierarchy. As the name implies, one soldier performing best among others was promoted to this rank.

Soldiers – Well this could be considered the lowest rank of the ancient Egyptian military hierarchy. Being a part of the ancient Egyptian military was considered a matter of honor and prestige