Delta raiders.
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Decades before their famous migrations, the “Sea Peoples” were already active and visible in the eastern Mediterranean; and Ramesses II had his own dealings with these groups. In year 2 of his reign, Ramesses II (Usir-Ma’at-Ra) dealt with a coastal raid by the Sherden, who came from the “islands in the midst” of the sea (which the Egyptians called the “Great Green”). The battle, and its aftermath, is referenced in several of Ramesses’ inscriptions. We explore this curious first chapter in the Sea Peoples’ story…
Music: Michael Levy “Odysseus and the Sirens” www.ancientlyre.com, used with permission of the composer.
The origins of the Sea Peoples are a matter of historical uncertainty. In this introduction, I have focussed exclusively on the Sherden / Shardana who interacted with Ramesses II. In future, we’ll explore other groups when they appear in the historical record (primarily under Merneptah and Ramesses III).
Ramesses II and the Sherden Sea Peoples
Aswan: Stela of Year 2, III Shemu, Day 26. Mentions “warriors of the Great Green” among defeated peoples. Rhetorical, but seems to concern trouble on the frontiers. Claims that “the Delta can sleep.”
Tanis Rhetorical Stela II: References “(Ramesses’) might has crossed the Great Green; the Islands-in-the-Midst are in fear of him. They come to him, carrying the gifts/tribute of their rulers… The Sherden of rebellious hearts, whom none could ever fight against, came bold-hearted… in warships from the midst of the Great Green, those whom none could withstand [but he (Ramesses) plundered them by the victories of his victorious arm, they being carried off to Egypt (Kemet)]…”
On an undated stela, Ramesses references the Sherden (Srdnyw). Excavated at Tanis, but it originated at Pi-Ramesses (Qantir). Text describes Ramesses defeating those who came in their “fighting ships” (aHa.w aHA). The term seems to be an invention, not recorded previously. Egyptians may have been unfamiliar with the Sherdens’ peculiar form of vessel?
Ramesses’ stela is vague on the details, merely recording the Sherden coming in their fighting-ships. Unclear if there was a naval battle, or if the Sherden were raiding coastal areas and settlements.
Battle of Kadesh: Ramesses references “Sherden of His Person’s capturing.”
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Photo Dominic Perry
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