"Chariot Runners Egyptians and Hittites" Topic

I have been reading up on this period and also did a thread search here before posting this. Seem there is some view that wonders if chariot runners really existed and one that has them as a dismounted solder from the chariot. I am building both a Libyan Egyptian army, 946-712 BC, and an Old/Middle Kingdom Hittite army, 1680 – 1380 BC. Both have chariots and I think it would be an interesting look to put a fellow running along side the chariot with a spear or javelin, but would only want to do so if it was accurate.

Would this be proper for these two armies or should I just consider them included in the Psiloi elements?

Thanks for he help,

Terry

'Runners' are certainly New Kingdom/Ramesside … warriors running with chariots being identified in depictions at e.g. Amarna and Abu Simbel (Yadin). Additionally New Kingdom Pharaohs are sometimes shown with fan bearers following them on foot (Yadin and Armies of the Ancient Near East).

There are infantry among the chariots at Medinet Habu (Ramesses III). The 'man from the chariot' interpretation may have something to do with the Hittites having 3 crew at Kadesh but no runners.

However it sounds like your Hittites will be earlier than any of the examples above.

Anyway, I would tend to include then as psiloi elements other than using fan and standard bearers running with commander/Pharaoh chariots ….

I did this Libyan commander (based on the late Colonel) for a friend's Libyans with a fan bearing native on that basis…

… there wasn't much room for any more ..

However, I am sure there are other opinions on this (it's quite a wide period you're stradding )

Phil
Ancients on the Move

Both have chariots and I think it would be an interesting look to put a fellow running along side the chariot with a spear or javelin, but would only want to do so if it was accurate.

I have Foundry NKE & Hittite armies and they were selling chariot runner packs as part of the collections back in the mid-00s.

FWIW, I finally decided to just stick a single runner on every chariot base. As you say is does look good and by putting each one on a slightly different spot on the chariot stand it adds a lot more activity and irregularity to the scene.

And as Phil notes above the era is a wide, wide, world with few specifics available to us. I claim "Wargamer's License".

I like it…

Thanks for the additional info Phil, really great stuff to me, and love the picture of the chariot you did with the runner.

Cheriton, thank you for your info as well. Guess I can't go wrong with having one so will see what i can do.

Thank yuo both!

terry