The spy trade goes a long way back…..as does the art of interrogation.

Two Hittite Spies Beaten by Egyptian Soldier

From Bible History Online

The Egyptians were some of the first people who used spies.

Expose disloyal subjects
Exploit enemy weaknesses
Gather information on competitors and enemies

The Egyptians were also some of the first people to develop an extensive use of poisons and assassins to accomplish their objectives.