In ancient Egyptian society, primarily the New Kingdom, chariots were used as both military weapons and a form of transport particularly for the wealthy, the nobility and, of course, the country's highest rulers... The Pharaohs.
It is widely recognized that the chariot itself was not an Egyptian invention but developed in other countries around the Near East where spoke-wheeled and horse-drawn chariots were first recorded in the early part of the second millennium B.C.
These early chariots were mainly used for transportation purposes. With technological improvements to their structure the use of chariots for military operations began. Chariots were very effective for their high speed, mobility and strength which could not be matched by either infantry or cavalry at that time.
Egyptian chariots of this period were made using a combination of highly flexible wood and leather compared to earlier versions normally constructed from solid wood.
In addition, the Ancient Egyptian chariot builders relocated the axel of their vehicles towards the rear of the passenger platform thus increasing the speed, maneuverability and stability of the chariot itself.
Among the finest-preserved examples of a classic 'Pharaoh's Chariot' are the six specimens recovered from the tomb of the boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.
These six, long-buried chariots varied in both design and functionality. Archaeologist Howard Carter described two of them as 'State Chariots', highly decorated in gold and covered with gesso and patterned with inlaid glass and ivory and obviously meant for important occasions and major ceremonies.
This new King & Country example has taken many of these most important and decorative features to incorporate into its design.
As can be seen this royal chariot is pulled by a pair of white Arabian stallions with a noble Pharaoh grasping the reins.
Place this long-awaited set among any of our Ancient Egyptian scenes and you have the perfect centrepiece for any Egyptian Collection!