DAY IN THE LIFE OF ANCIENT SEA PEOPLES

THE MYSTERIOUS CIVILISATION THAT TERRORISED ANCIENT WATERWAYS, MEDITERRANEAN SEA, 1275-1000 BCE.

During the golden years of the Hittite and Egyptian civilisations, there was one threat that simply would not go away. The Sea Peoples were the pirates of their day and terrorised the most powerful societies of the ancient world. They were a nomadic civilisation, plundering across the Mediterranean and migrating to suit their needs. More powerful on the ocean than on land, the Sea Peoples never truly stamped their authority, and as a result their real nationality and ethnicity remain unknown. One thing is for sure: they were a thorn in the side of anyone that crossed them.

RISE AND SHINE

An early wake-up call was essential. Competition for food and other resources was fierce, so getting up at the crack of dawn and swiftly heading out on coracle boats significantly increased the chances of claiming the biggest haul of supplies. If all the resources in the locality were exhausted, it was time for the group to move on, possibly running into other powers.

EARLY SKIRMISHES

The Sea Peoples were expert mariners, so coastal raids of up to 20 vessels were usually successful ventures. Using sharp daggers, they were protected by conical helmets and a bronze cuirass. Hit and run was their most successful tactic, and an early morning assault meant it was an in and out job before the bulk of the enemy military could respond.

RETURN TO THE COSTAL COMMUNITY

After a successful skirmish, it was time to return with the plunder. The societal hierarchy of the Sea Peoples was relatively unknown, but there were men known as ‘Great Ones’ who led by example in a military and political capacity. Heading into enemy territory was always a risk, as some could be seduced by the promise of a life in the Egyptian or Hittite civilisations.

TO BATTLE

Despite being primarily seafaring folk, the Sea Peoples still had up-to-date military gear. Using what they had plundered earlier in the day, the military would ride in to battles on chariots with long thrusting spears. The resources of the Egyptians would often tip the balance in their favour, however, so a popular tactic of the Sea Peoples was to go into battle as allies of the Hittites.

TIMED RETREAT

The Sea Peoples were at their best in hit-andrun attacks. Unable to match the strength of the Egyptian military, quick skirmishes were the most successful tactic especially when not backed up by Hittite allies. One such example was the Battle of Djahy where the Sea Peoples had to make a hasty retreat to escape the clutches of Ramesses III.

ANOTHER WITHDRAWAL

Hit and run was the name of the game for attacks by the Sea Peoples, but the Egyptians soon got wise. After the retreat, Ramesses would have archers hidden along the shoreline to rain down arrows. Any failure would diminish their culture more and over time they were thought to have absorbed Egyptian customs and lost their identity.

DESIRE TO GO INLAND

Forever known as shoreline raiders, the Sea Peoples were actually keen on establishing inland settlements. After a victorious battle, household goods and building materials would be carried back with the soldiers along with women and children from the group. In the wake of another defeat, that evening they would lament on an opportunity lost to colonise new lands.

TO BED

The day done, possessions would be stashed in ox-drawn carts and they would go to bed with the same thoughts every night: the fear of Egyptian retribution yet determination to fight once more to gain new lands. As long as they kept out of the clutches of the major powers in the Mediterranean, they were free to continue their pirate ways.

In "All About History Annual", UK, vol.3, 2016, excerpts pp. 18-19. Adapted and illustrated to be posted by Leopoldo Costa.