<P> The throw stick does appear to have been used to some extent during Egypt's predynastic period as a weapon, but it seems to have not been very effective for this purpose . Because of their simplicity, skilled infantry continued to use this weapon at least with some regularity through the end of the New Kingdom . It was used extensively for hunting fowl through much of Egypt's dynastic period . Most of the Egyptians were intent on using this weapon for it had a holy effect as well . </P> <P> The spear does not fit comfortably into either the close combat class or the projectile type of weapons . It could be either . During the Old and Middle Kingdom of Egypt's Dynastic period, it typically consisted of a pointed blade made of copper or flint that was attached to a long wooden shaft by a tang . Conventional spears were made for throwing or thrusting, but there was also a form of spear (halberd) which was fitted with an axe blade and thus used for cutting and slashing . </P> <P> The spear was used in Egypt since the earliest times for hunting larger animals, such as lions . In its form of javelin (throwing spears) it was replaced early on by the bow and arrow . Because of its greater weight, the spear was better at penetration than the arrow, but in a region where armor consisted mostly of shields, this was only a slight advantage . On the other hand, arrows were much easier to mass - produce . </P> <P> In war it never gained the importance among Egyptians which it was to have in classical Greece, where phalanxes of spear - carrying citizens fought each other . During the New Kingdom, it was often an auxiliary weapon of the charioteers, who were thus not left unarmed after spending all their arrows . It was also most useful in their hands when they chased down fleeing enemies stabbing them in their backs . Amenhotep II's victory at Shemesh - Edom in Canaan is described at Karnak: </P>

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