These forty Egyptian soldiers were found in the tomb of Mesehti,
the governor of the 13th nome of Upper Egypt. He lived during the
11th Dynasty (ca.200BC), a period of political instability in which
monarchs were usually surrounded by soldiers - this is probably
why Mehti wished to be accompanied by his troops on his journey
to the Afterlife.
The soldiers depicted have large decorated shields on their left
arms and grip long lances in their right.
