Bases not supplied.
Randomly packaged.
28mm scale (for Hail Caesar or Saga).
These models were made by RedCopperMiniatures and are sold under license.
https://redcopperminiaturess.gumroad.com/
The Sea Peoples were a confederation of naval raiders who harried the coastal towns and cities of the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly during the Late Bronze Age (around 1200 BCE). Among them were the Lukkas (possibly Lycians), Pelesets (likely Philistines), Aqweshs/Denyens (possibly Greeks or Achaeans), Shardanes (possibly from Sardinia), and Shekeleshs (origin unclear but potentially Sicilian or Sardinian). These groups are primarily known for their role in the widespread collapse of several civilizations, including the Hittites, Mycenaeans, and Egyptians, during this period.
Origins and Identity
The exact origins of the Sea Peoples remain a topic of scholarly debate. While there is no consensus, many scholars suggest that these groups may have been displaced populations, perhaps due to climatic changes, famine, or political unrest in their homelands. The Lukkas are often associated with the region of Lycia in southwestern Anatolia, the Pelesets with the Philistines of later Biblical fame, and the Aqweshs or Denyens with the Achaeans of Greece. The Shardanes are linked to Sardinia, and the Shekeleshs might be connected to Sicily.
The Impact on Egypt
The Sea Peoples had a profound impact on Egypt, particularly during the reigns of Pharaohs Merneptah and Ramesses III. Inscriptions and reliefs from these periods depict significant battles between the Egyptians and the Sea Peoples. The Egyptians successfully repelled invasions, most notably under Ramesses III during the early 12th century BCE, a conflict immortalized in the reliefs at Medinet Habu. These records suggest a massive, coordinated assault by land and sea that threatened Egypt's stability.
Broader Historical Impact
The Sea Peoples are often credited with contributing to the collapse of several ancient civilizations at the end of the Bronze Age. Their raids and migrations are thought to have destabilized the region, leading to the downfall of the Hittite Empire, the decline of Mycenaean Greece, and widespread destruction along the Levantine coast. The disruption they caused is seen as a significant factor in the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, a period marked by social upheaval, population movements, and the reformation of political entities.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Sea Peoples left an enduring legacy in the history of the ancient Mediterranean. Their incursions forced surviving civilizations to adapt, leading to the eventual rise of new powers, such as the Philistines in Canaan and the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Their attacks on Egypt, although ultimately repelled, marked the beginning of the end for the New Kingdom's dominance. The stories of their invasions became part of the broader mythos of the ancient world, influencing how later civilizations viewed the challenges of warfare, migration, and cultural change.
Conclusion
The Sea Peoples played a pivotal role in one of history's most tumultuous periods. While their exact origins and identities remain partly shrouded in mystery, their impact on the ancient Mediterranean world is undeniable. They were both agents of destruction and catalysts for change, helping to usher in a new era in the history of the ancient world. Their story is a testament to the interconnectedness of ancient societies and the profound effects that migration, war, and cultural exchange can have on the course of history.
