7. The Medjay of Ancient Egypt used their unique knowledge of the deserts and their skills with bows to become the bodyguards of the pharaohs
The Medjay of Ancient Egypt all wore badges on their tunics. On those badges was the Eye of Horus, a symbol that they were not only the sworn protectors of the pharaohs but of the souls of all of Egypt’s people. Their elevated standing in the ancient society was well-deserved. Not only were they highly-skilled fighters, they were also completely loyal, trustworthy and highly disciplined traits that helped them evolve from part-time bodyguards to full-time police and moral guardians of the nation.
It was during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, between 2050 BC to 1710 BC, when the Medjay started making a name for themselves as feared warriors. From the region of the same name, now divided between modern-day Egypt and Sudan, they were traditionally nomadic herders. This meant they not only knew the deserts well, they were also hardy, hard-working and able to protect themselves and their livestock from raiders. At some point, then, they started being employed by pharaohs as bodyguards, scouts and shock troops. According to archaeologists studying the period, Kamose, the last king of the 17th Dynasty, made full use of the Medjays’ formidable skills on the battlefield to beat the Hyskos people and transform Egypt into true military power.
Over time, the Medjays had abandoned their nomadic lifestyle. By the time of the 18th Dynasty, they were employed as an elite paramilitary force. As well as serving as the pharaohs’ bodyguards, they also protected royal cemeteries, tombs, temples and other sites of religious significance. At some point between then and the start of the 19th Dynasty, the role was opened up to people from outside the Medjay region. And then, by the 20th Dynasty, the Medjay disappear from the surviving records for good.