Historical Match Up – Old Kingdom Egyptian vs. Early Libyan

Game 1

Having crossed the desert, Libyan raiding parties reached the delta region to reign havoc among the small Egyptian communities. The Nomarch {1} of the region assembled troops to repel the invaders and these were met in the marshland area of the Nile.

Surprised that the Libyan deployed more troops against his left flank the Nomarch ordered the re-positioning of the conscript troops.  Changing positions, the conscripts were dogged by Libyan skirmishers until held at bay by Egyptian light troops.

Through a miscommunication by the Libyan chieftain (low pips) the archers were not able to move against the Egyptian left. This delay gave the Libyan chieftain no other recourse but to order a general assault.

The Libyan assault was easily met and the battle that ensued was as brief. Total Libyan casualties quickly rose and the death of their leader broke their spirit to continue the fight. Score 4g – 1 for Egypt.

Game 2

Pursuing the Libyan raiders to their wasteland hideout, these were tracked to a hilly region dotted with thick dry brush. The Egyptians quickly deployed a battle line with all the skirmishers on the left among the hills and conscript infantry on the right. The Nomarch and archers held the centre.

The Libyans placed the majority of their troops facing the hills with archers and tribesmen holding the scrubby ground covering their left flank.

Horns signalled on the far side of the field and Libyans could be seen sprinting toward the hills. Their light troops quickly ascended the crest line with a thick column of tribesmen reaching its base.

Left to their own devices and outnumbered, the Egyptian skirmishers did their best to contain the assault. The Nomarch, having little control over the battle developing in the pass, pushed his centre and right wing forward. Signalling to the menfat positioned on the nearest hill he ordered them to support the left wing. But would they make it in time?

The fight in the pass was desperate as the superior number of Libyan skirmishers and tribesmen led by their chieftain gave the Egyptians little room to manoeuvre. A lucky javelin thrust put an end to the Libyan chieftain and other members of his guard, but despite his loss the Libyans continued the battle.

The menfat, moving off the crest line arrive in time to save the last survivors. By now, the Libyans aware that their chieftain number two had been slain continued to the fight. Libyan archers held the Egyptian centre at bay while the tribesmen on the left awaited the attack by the conscript infantry.

The battle had reached a turning point when the Libyans lost further casualties and so fled the field.  

Score 5g – 4 (+horde) for Egypt.

Game 3

Continuing the pursuit of the Libyan, the gods smiled on the Nomarch as the enemy were caught again on open ground. Securing the heights on its right, the Egyptians formed their battle line with the conscript infantry on the left with the Nomarch, his guard and the archers in centre.

The Libyans faced the Egyptians with their extended battle line equalling that of the Egyptians.

The Libyans started the battle having their right wing encircle the Egyptian left. It was unknown if the direct route taken by the Libyans was meant to goad the Egyptians into action, but the Nomarch held his troops in check, but did alert the menfat held in reserve to expect the enemy on the open flank.

The battle soon erupted on both flanks leaving both centres cautiously eyeing one another.  The Libyans were the first to incur casualties (1 – 0).

Casualties for the Libyan began to rise as arrows found their mark and menfat cleaved holes in the Libyan battle line. (3 – 0).

The final blow came when the menfat widen the gap between wings by bringing down their opponents to decide the battle. Score 4 – 0 for Egypt.


{1} Nomarch, The territorial divisions or province of Egypt were called sepat or nome in Ancient Greek. Each sepat was ruled by a heritapaá or nomarch who was also responsible for the security of the territory. During the Old Kingdom period nomes were autonomous city-states eventually becoming unified by the rule of Menes (First Dynasty).