Tracing the origins of the first human army is a journey deep into the annals of ancient history, where warfare and organized military forces began to shape civilizations. The concept of an army—a structured military force organized for combat—emerged alongside the rise of complex societies, cities, and states, where maintaining territorial integrity and political power became paramount.
The earliest documented evidence of organized military structures comes from ancient Mesopotamia, around the region of Sumer in the 3rd millennium BCE. The Sumerians, known for their innovations in writing, agriculture, and law, also developed one of the first known organized armies. These early military forces were composed of infantry, who fought with spears and shields, and were often accompanied by chariots, a revolutionary technology at the time that provided mobility and a tactical advantage in battle.
Archaeological records and ancient texts, such as the Stele of the Vultures and the records of the kings of Lagash, provide insights into these early military organizations. The Stele of the Vultures, for example, is a limestone carving that depicts Eannatum, a king of Lagash, leading his army into battle and triumphing over the neighboring city-state of Umma. This artifact not only showcases the existence of organized military campaigns but also highlights the role of the ruler as both a political and military leader.
Moving westward, the Egyptian army under the pharaohs, particularly from the Old Kingdom onward (circa 2686-2181 BCE), represents another early and influential military force. The pharaohs maintained a professional standing army that was used to expand Egyptian territories, control nomadic tribes, and defend against invasions. The military was well-organized, divided into infantry and chariot units, and supported by military engineering units that built fortresses and siege equipment.
In the Indus Valley, evidence suggests that the Harappan civilization (circa 2600-1900 BCE) had some form of military organization. Although less is known about their military compared to the Mesopotamians or Egyptians, the strategic layout of their cities and the construction of fortifications indicate a level of military awareness and preparedness.
Further east, in ancient China, the Shang Dynasty (circa 1600-1046 BCE) and later the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) developed sophisticated armies that included infantry, cavalry, and chariot units. The Zhou period, in particular, is noted for the development of the concept of the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ to justify the ruler’s authority, including military campaigns. This period also saw the rise of the Art of War by Sun Tzu, a treatise that remains influential in both military and corporate strategy today.
As societies continued to evolve, so did their military structures. By the time of the classical ancient empires—such as the Greeks under Alexander the Great, the Romans, and later the Byzantines—military organization had become more complex and capable of sustaining prolonged campaigns over much larger areas than their ancient predecessors could have imagined.
The question of who had the ‘first’ human army is somewhat subjective, depending on definitions and available evidence. However, the Sumerians of Mesopotamia are typically credited with forming one of the earliest documented organized military forces. Their development of military strategies, combined with political and technological advancements, laid the groundwork for future empires and their armies.
In conclusion, the first human armies were integral to the growth of early civilizations around the world. From the ancient river valleys that cradled early human settlements to the vast empires they eventually birthed, the development of military forces was a crucial component of societal evolution. These armies not only defended territories but also enabled the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world, influencing the structure of modern military forces in contemporary societies.