Chariot Warfare Transforms the Ancient World

Between 2000 and 1600 BCE, the development of lightweight, spoke-wheeled chariots pulled by trained horses revolutionized warfare. The Hyksos likely used this technology to conquer Egypt, and it quickly became the dominant military platform across the entire Near East. Chariots required specialized breeding, training, and maintenance — making them a weapon of wealthy kingdoms and a symbol of royal power.