Chariotry, ancient Near East and Egypt

Abstract The ancient Near Eastern chariot is defined as a light, two‐wheeled, horse‐drawn vehicle with spoked wheels and a D‐shaped floor, permitting a chariot driver and charioteer to stand abreast. It was used mainly for warfare, but also for hunting and ceremonial occasions. Chariot racing, which played a significant role in Greek and Indo‐Iranian cultures, is hardly in evidence in the ancient Near East.