Around 700 BC, Egyptian siege tactics had been heavily influenced by advancements made in the Middle East. Armies attacking a fortress might be equipped with raised platforms so archers could fire into ramparts, and sappers could be protected by shelters. Covered or simple ladders could be used to scale walls. By 400 BC, the catapult was in use, and all Mediterranean powers incorporated them into their armies.

"Then they fought against Tetehen, great in might. They found it filled with soldiers, with every valiant man of the Northland. Then the battering-ram was employed against it, its wall was overthrown, and a great slaughter was made among them of unknown number; also the son of the chief of Me, Tefnakhte." -- the Piankhi stela