Early war-chariots had been heavy four-wheeled vehicles, drawn by asses. Around the 18th century BC this lighter, faster, horse-drawn model evolved.
Instead of solid wheels it had wheels with six spokes. The ornament on the shaft of this chariot is made of copper and was meant to dazzle and frighten the enemy.
We have evidence from tablets found at Boghazkoy that the Hittites were very interested in training and breeding horses for military use.
The chariot they developed differs little in design from that of the Egyptians, being a light, two-wheeled carriage. However it was somewhat heavier and crucially carried three warriors instead of two, leaving two soldiers to fight from the vehicle while one drove.
It also meant that more soldiers could be carried to any close fighting that might follow an initial charge.
An account of the siege of a town, Urshu, mentions the deployment of eighty chariots as part of the attacking force.
