Evidence for the origin and movement of Sea Peoples
The Surfing Assassins
Woudhuizen, Frederik Christiaan. The Ethnicity of the Sea Peoples : De Etniciteit van de Zeevolken. 2006
The Sea Peoples is a name to describe the groups of people who were involved in multiple conflicts with Bronze Age societies and are often attributed to being part of the Bronze Age collapse.
Chart on the right shows different pharaohs interactions multiple peoples under the title of sea peoples or sea raiders. The groupings increase over a 200 year span
Legacy and Questions: Ongoing
The encounters with the Sea Peoples are documented by the three Pharaohs, providing primary sources of information.
Ongoing questions about the identity and origins of the Sea Peoples prompt scholarly investigations and theories.
The possibility is considered that the Sea Peoples may represent an amalgamation of various seafaring peoples rather than a singular entity.
Peoples Groups | Basic Bio of people |
|---|---|
Lukka | One of the groups that fought the first 3 Pharaohs and seemed to have died out before the rule of Ramesses III |
Peleset (Philistines) | The Peleset are often identified with the Philistines, who settled in the coastal region of ancient Canaan (modern-day Israel and Palestine). The Philistines are mentioned in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. |
Denyen(Danuna) | The Denyen are often associated with the ancient Greeks or possibly the people of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The term "Denyen" is sometimes linked to the city of Danuna in southwestern Anatolia. |
teresh | A group that became more prevalent during the end of the bronze age and fought battles with the Egyptians |
Ekwesh | A lesser-known group that only attacked once and was never written about again |
Tjeker | The Tjeker are thought to have come from regions in the Aegean, possibly representing the Greek island of Crete. Some scholars also connect them to the Trojans or other groups in the Aegean. |
Shekelesh | The Shekelesh are often linked to the Sikels, an ancient people who lived in Sicily. Some theories suggest they may have also originated in the eastern Mediterranean. |
Weshesh | The Weshesh are less clearly identified, but some theories connect them with regions in the western Mediterranean, possibly the Italian peninsula. |
Sherden | The Sherden have been associated with Sardinia, an island in the western Mediterranean. They may have also been involved in serving as mercenaries for various empires. |
For my story map I did research on the Sea peoples. Who were a collection of civilizations that lived in the region of countries that border the Mediterranean sea.The Sea Peoples are often implicated in the destabilization of the region, with their invasions contributing to the disintegration of established political and social structures. The Sea Peoples are often associated with various ethnic groups, such as the Peleset (possibly the Philistines), Tjeker, Shekelesh, Denyen, and Weshesh. Their coordinated attacks targeted the coastal regions of Egypt, Cyprus, and the Levant, disrupting trade routes and causing widespread panic. The Sea Peoples' military prowess and naval expertise allowed them to pose a formidable challenge to established powers. But where exactly do the sea peoples originate from?
That answer is still to be determined as of when this essay was written. Scholars have proposed various theories about the origins of the Sea Peoples. Some suggest that they might have originated from regions such as the Aegean, the Anatolian coast, or the eastern Mediterranean islands. Others speculate that they might have been displaced populations from the collapse of the Hittite Empire or other adjacent civilizations. The Sea Peoples' heterogeneous nature makes it challenging to pinpoint a single point of origin, fueling the ongoing debate among historians.
The only main recordings of the sea peoples that we have are from Pharaohs that were attacked by the sea peoples. The Sea Peoples' presence is prominently documented in the annals of Egyptian history. Pharaoh Ramesses II encountered them during the Battle of Kadesh in the 13th century BCE, while Ramesses III faced multiple invasions during the early 12th century BCE. The latter conflict, recorded on the walls of Medinet Habu, illustrates the Sea Peoples' devastating impact on the Eastern Mediterranean. According to a chart made by German historian Frederik Christiaan it shows that the groups of sea people that were the most active were the Lukka and the Sherden.
The Lukka, often referred to as the Lukka Sea Peoples, were a group of maritime raiders whose historical existence is attested through ancient records, particularly in the context of the Late Bronze Age collapse. While the precise origins of the Lukka remain elusive, they are often associated with the Lukka lands, a region situated along the western coast of Anatolia, in modern-day Turkey. The Lukka Sea Peoples played a significant role in the tumultuous events of the 13th and 12th centuries BCE, as documented in Egyptian inscriptions and other historical texts. They were part of the confederation of Sea Peoples that conducted seaborne invasions, contributing to the destabilization of major civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Lukka are mentioned alongside other groups like the Peleset, Tjeker, and Denyen, collectively embodying the multifaceted and enigmatic nature of the Sea Peoples, who, despite their historical impact, have left behind more questions than answers in the annals of ancient history.
The Sherden, a distinct group within the Sea Peoples, were seafaring raiders who left an indelible mark on the Late Bronze Age Eastern Mediterranean. Originating from an uncertain geographical location, some theories propose a connection to Sardinia, while others suggest the Anatolian or Aegean regions. The Sherden are prominently mentioned in the inscriptions of Pharaoh Ramesses II during the Battle of Kadesh in the 13th century BCE and later in the inscriptions of Ramesses III during the early 12th century BCE. Known for their distinctive horned helmets and round shields, the Sherden are often depicted as formidable warriors. They actively participated in the series of invasions that characterized the Sea Peoples' destabilizing impact on major civilizations, including the Hittites and Egyptians. Although the Sherden's ultimate fate and integration into the societies they encountered remain unclear, their role in the larger narrative of the Sea Peoples underscores the complex mosaic of cultures and conflicts during a pivotal period in ancient history.
In conclusion, the saga of the Sea Peoples remains a captivating enigma in the tapestry of ancient history, marked by their significant contributions to the Late Bronze Age collapse. As a confederation of maritime raiders, the Sea Peoples, including groups like the Lukka and the Sherden, played a pivotal role in the destabilization of established civilizations around the Eastern Mediterranean. Their coordinated attacks, documented through the annals of Egyptian pharaohs like Ramesses II and Ramesses III, disrupted trade routes and caused widespread panic, leaving behind a legacy of destruction. Despite their historical impact, the origins of the Sea Peoples remain elusive, with theories suggesting diverse possibilities ranging from the Aegean to the Anatolian coast
Photos 1 &2 are Hyroglifics and Modern Art of the Sea Peoples and the battle of Delta, , Photo 3 tomb painting of the Pharaoh Rameses III, Photo 4 is a statue of Merneptah, Photo 5 is a stone figure of the Pharoh El-Amarna
Egyptian Late 14th Century BCE
The Amarna Letters under Pharaoh Akhenaton possible first recorded instances of the Sea Peoples. Refers to Denyen as raiders and similarly people hailing from Lukka were said to have raided Egyptians and raiding modern day Cyprus. The Amarna Letters: Mentions Sea Peoples or Sea Raiders, but more specifically it mentions the Denyen (Danuna). (Killebrew 2012, 5-6)
Egyptian Late 13th Century BCE
The first confirmed inscription involving the Sea Peoples. Karnak Inscription, The Merneptah Stele, and the Athribis Stele all make note of a conflict involving the Sea peoples. Pharaoh Merneptah (1213-1203) was ruling during these inscriptions and specifically notes some sort of invasion by the Libyans and Sea peoples ("Eqwesh, Teresh, Lukka, Shardana, and Shekelesh" (Cline 2009, 192-193) of Egypt. The Great Karnak Inscriptions: Describe Pharaoh Merneptah as a "Warrior" against the Libyan Sea People Coalition and describes Egypt as successful victors of the battles with loot and prisoners to bring back to Egypt. (Manassa 2003, 5-55). The Athribis Stele: Describes the end of the Battle. Specifically mentions "the third day of the third month of the third season in Merneptah’s fifth regnal year (approximately 15 April 1207 BCE)" (Cline 2009, 192-193). Also mentions who was included in Sea peoples "Ekwesh, Shekelesh, Teresh, and Shardana" (Cline 2009, 193). The Merneptah Stele ('Israel' Stele): Described the same battle as the other two inscriptions, but this stele does not list the allies of Libyans rather it glosses over it entirely. (Cline193-195)
1200BCE-1180BCE
Cyprus/Minoan Connection: The Enkomi Cylinder Seal, Kalavassos Cylinder Seal, Tablet and RS20.25 from Ras Shamra discuss the same central figure and trade that was taking place. (Woudhuizen 2006, 43-45)
Ugaritic Connection: RS L 1, RS 20.238, RS 20.18, and RS 34.129 are all inscribed letters that make multiple references to the Sea peoples. All letters are attributed to be referring to the same invasion and one letter specifically RS 34 129 never made it to the king. This invasion is said “actually have a bearing on the city’s last days.” (Woudhuizen 2006, 47)
RS 34.129: Makes reference to a group of people that were sited on the water, and goes on to say that someone was abducted by “[people] who live on ships”. (Woudhuizen 2006, 47-50)
RS L 1: Makes note of the Ugarit King learning that ships were sighted on the coast. He instructs them to prepare for an attack and to build walls around the towns.
RS 20.238: Talks about enemy ships coming into towns and burning it down. The son of a King had his town burned down. (Woudhuizen 2006, 47-50)
RS 20.18: The chief prefect of Alashiya writes to the King of the Ugarit that the people storming their lands was not the Alashiya, but rather it was men and ships hailing from Ugarit. The prefect says he was writing to warn the King. (Woudhuizen 2006, 47-50)
Medinet Habu and Rameses III 1179BCE-1172BCE
Near the beginning of the 12th century we learn through Medinet Habu and a few other inscriptions from the time that Egypt and Pharaoh Rameses III faced invasions from a "heterogenous mass" (Moreu 2003, 108-110). These attacks would contain people from much of the levant and Anatolian regions including but not limited to Peleset and Weshesh as well as forces of Libyans and Asiatics were part of these invading forces. Inscription Year 5 (1179 BCE): Tells of one of the first attacks, notes specifically that most of the enemy was Peleset and Tjeker. It goes on to say that Egypt was more than successful going as far to compare them to "birds ensnared" (Woudhuizen 2006, 51).
Inscription Year 8 (1176 BCE): This inscription tells us much of what was transpiring at the time. It begins by telling the reader that Sea peoples had been raiding much of the Bronze Age world so much so that a translated passage reads "No land could stand before their arms, from Hatti, Kodi, Karkemis, Yereth [= Arzawa], and Yeres [= Alasiya]" (Woudhuizen 2006, 51). It continues on to say that these attacks were desolating the areas and the inscription notes these attacks as done by a true coalition [including the Peleset, Tjeker, Shekelesh, Denyen, and Weshesh] and not individual instances. Ramseses III goes on to describe his strategy for the battle and that not only did he successfully defend Egypt from the attacks, but he also is quoted saying "I have taken away their land, their frontiers being added to mine." (Woudhuizen 2006, 52). Sea Battle Scene ( Medinet Habu): Although this scene unlike many of the inscriptions at Medinet Habu don't mention the Sea peoples outright it does still allude to them. This scene has inscribed below it a description of Ramseses III tearing through the invading armies and had crushed the army and their lands for Amon-Re. Prisoners of War Scene (Medinet Habu): This scene does not have much translation, but the few it has is of the people that were taken prisoner by Egypt and Ramseses III. These Prisoners include "1. chief of Hatti, 2. chief of Amor, 3. chieftain of the foe of the Tjeker, 4. Sherden of the sea, 5. chieftain of the foe Sha[su], 6. Teresh of the sea, 7. chieftain of the Pe(leset)" (Woudhuizen 2006, 52). Sud Stele Year 12 (1172 BCE): Mentions the same societies as invading forces, including Tjeker, Denyen, and Shekelesh. Papyrus Harris: Tells us the Ramseses the borders of Egypt greatly through his conquest of the Sea peoples land. He specifically mentions that the Denyens, Peleset, Tjeker, Sherden, and Weshesh were destroyed or wiped out because of Egypt. He goes on to say that he settled in all of them and imposed tax plans on them for clothing and grain (Woudhuizen 2006, 52). Goldenischeff Papyrus: Describes the journey of an Egyptian going these conquered lands and collecting the tax from them. It is regarding a few years after the conquest of Sea peoples land by Ramseses III
Sea Peoples after 1177 B.C.E: A Case Study Through the Peleset
The movement of the Sea Peoples beyond this point delves more into hypothesis rather than concrete evidence. This is because much of the evidence and writings about Sea Peoples are a result of battles and other forms of incursions, so after Ramesses III’s account of the battles with the Sea Peoples specific details about the whereabouts of the Sea Peoples becomes sparse. Through this ambiguity one theory holds out on being the likely answer. This theory comes when you think of the Sea Peoples in context of all the epigraphic material regarding the identity of the Sea Peoples. When looking at the epigraphical evidence for the Sea Peoples they are never referred to in isolation rather they are a collective of usually two or more groups of peoples bunched into one army or force. With this being considered one can than shift focus to look at one of those individual groups and begin to piece some sort of finality of the Sea Peoples after 1177 B.C.E.. The Sea Peoples movement into the Iron Age can be contextualized through the look at resettlement efforts done by groups that were previously epigraphically identified as Sea Peoples in this specifically the Peleset.
The Peleset are of the of the major groups to be a part of the incursions that took place during Ramesses III’s reign. They were identified multiple times in the Medinet Habu mortuary temple inscriptions and through pictorial images throughout the temple (Woudhuizen 2006, 50-52). To further contextualize the Peleset it is important to note that modern scholarship agrees “The Peleset, [are] generally identified as Philistines” (Moreu 2003, 112). If it is to be believed that the Peleset are in fact the Philistine than it can be implied that a look into Philistine settlement structure during the 12 th and 11 th century could help paint a narrative of how this group went from a sea faring group of raider-esque people to a thriving established society. The Philistines much like the Sea Peoples themselves do not have any written documentation, but similarly to the Sea Peoples they were written about by the Egyptians. Near the end of the 12 th century the Onimasticon of Amenemope writes about three cities with Egyptian name that are told to be Philistine settlements, but because of the lack of written documentation by the Philistines It is unclear what these cities were referred to as by the Philistines. This however changes by the 8 th century when Assyrian and Babylonian refer to these cities by their Philistine names (Shai 2009, 17-18). One of these cities mentioned in the Onimasticon of Amenemope is the city of Ashkelon. This city in 2019 was used along with a data set of genomes from the site to test the demographic makeup of it. The results of this were two-fold as they proved a long standing demographically similar population living there for over 1000 years, but the researchers also found a noticeable difference in genetic composition of the city near the end of the Bronze Age which would line up with sources of the period referring to a migration into the Levant area (Feldman et al 2019). This paired with the area of the cities mentioned in the Onimasticon of Amenmope are apart of Canaan and they at this time are “witness [to] a profound and long-lived transformation of the material culture beginning in the early to mid-12th century BCE in which indigenous Canaanite traditions of the Late Bronze Age are supplemented and (in several cases) supplanted by traditions with origins in the Aegean, Cypriot, and Anatolian worlds” (Wylie and Master 2020, 547). Furthermore, this is supported by the Ugarit text RS 20.238 and Medinet Habu inscriptions which both place the Sea Peoples in those areas in the 12 th Century and more specifically both texts mention the Peleset as one of the Sea Peoples (Woudhuizen 2006, 47-51) Another major indication of a rise in outside migration to this area is the sudden appearance in abundance of spool weights. These have been found at every major philistine site, but in Ashkelon these are found in astounding numbers (Wylie and Master 2020, 551-552). An even more important find than the finished spool weights is the sheer number of unbaked weights “Because the unbaked weights are abundantly attested in the Aegean, they have commonly been cited as evidence of a migration from that region” (Wylie and Master 2020, 552).
In conclusion through a deeper look into a society that was identified as Sea Peoples it can be used to help better explain potential movement patterns of the Sea Peoples after the collapse of The Late Bronze Age. The Peleset people were identified by multiple epigraphical sources from the time to have been apart of the Sea Peoples, and through a more focused lens the one can follow the Pelesets’ from the 12 th century onward. This lens allows for connections to be made between the rise in material culture not matching that of previous indigenous peoples and demographical irregularities of cities that were once thought to be relatively homogenous. This type of closer inspection when applied to other societies identified as Sea Peoples could help bring about a better timeline of what the movement patterns after their disappearance from the seas.
This Map is a combination of our research and timeline and a map we used from our Draft(KEY: BLUE =Our research, GREEN=The map we used ) The lines show the movement of these peoples from where they started to where they ended
