Ancient Egyptian archers were the most feared units of the Egyptian army. In early times archers stood behind the protective shields of the infantry because they lacked body armour and helmets which made them vulnerable. However, I believe that by placing them so far back this would have affected the distance of their arrow flight and would not have allowed them to shoot so far into the enemy’s lines.

An archer in ancient Egypt was first taught the basics on a self bow, made from a single piece of wood. Then, after undergoing exercises designed to develop their muscles and being taught how to stand, they would learn to shoot using the composite bow, made from several pieces of wood and horn glued together. On the left forearm archers wore a leather guard to protect against the kick of the string, this would help prevent bruising.

The Nubian mercenaries do not appear to have used quivers to carry their arrows. Quivers would have been carried on the back or hanging from the right hand side of the waist. In the tomb of Mesehti, a governor at Asyut during the Middle Kingdom (2040-1640BC) a model shows 40 Nubian archers in distinctive attire and armaments and as you can see below they are carrying their arrows in their right hand. They are probably the oldest military miniatures in the world.

nubian archers