Ramses II's Shadow Army: The Sherden Mercenaries

Ramses the Great: Egypt's Most Powerful Pharaoh — Fexingo History · Sep 8, 2026 · 7m · transcript

While we often celebrate Ramses II as a builder and diplomat, his military might relied heavily on a group of feared foreign fighters known as the Sherden. These Sea Peoples mercenaries were not just hired hands but became integral to Egypt’s royal guard, changing the cultural and martial landscape of the New Kingdom. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how these raiders from the Mediterranean coast ended up serving the Pharaoh who defeated them, examining their distinctive horned helmets, round shields, and the political intrigue that turned enemies into protectors. We look at the…