After leaving the city of Meroe and continuing along the Nile, you travel the same distance it took to reach the capital from Elephantine. In this journey, you come to a region inhabited by a people called the Deserters, known in the local language as Asmach. Translated into our language, this name means “the men who stand on the left hand of the king.”
Who the Deserters Were
The Deserters were Egyptians from the warrior caste. During the reign of King Psammetichus, a total of two hundred and forty thousand of these soldiers left Egypt and joined the Ethiopians. Their desertion was not without reason, and it had a clear cause Exploring the Upper Nile.
At that time, Egypt maintained three garrisons to protect its borders. One garrison was at Elephantine to guard against Ethiopian attacks, another at Pelusiac Daphnae to defend against Syrians and Arabians, and a third at Marea to watch the Libyans. These strategic posts were meant to keep Egypt secure. Interestingly, the same posts continued to be important many years later and were occupied by Persian forces.
Why They Deserted
A critical problem occurred: the garrisons were not relieved for three years. Soldiers had to stay in the same posts without rotation or support. After this long period, the men grew tired and consulted with one another. They decided, by common agreement, to revolt and march away toward Ethiopia.
King Psammetichus, when informed of their movement, set out to pursue them. He tried to persuade the soldiers to return, warning them not to abandon the gods of Egypt or leave their families. But one of the deserters replied boldly, saying, “Wherever we go, we are sure enough to find wives and children.” The soldiers were determined and would not be persuaded to return.
Settlement in Ethiopia
Upon reaching Ethiopia, the deserters submitted themselves to the Ethiopian king. In return, the king granted them a tract of land. This land originally belonged to certain Ethiopians who were in conflict with him. He ordered the new settlers to expel the previous inhabitants and take possession of the territory Sofia Private Guided Tours.
Over time, the presence of these Egyptians had a strong influence on the region. Their knowledge of Egyptian customs, agriculture, and governance helped to civilize the local Ethiopians. Through their settlement, Egyptian manners, religion, and techniques spread into Ethiopian society, creating closer cultural ties between the two peoples.
Observations on History and Culture
This episode demonstrates how political and military decisions can have lasting effects on culture. The desertion of the Asmach shows the challenges of maintaining garrisons far from home, while their settlement illustrates how one group can influence the manners and organization of another. It also highlights the reach of Egypt’s power and its enduring cultural impact in the Nile Valley and beyond.
