Latest / Ramses the Great: Egypt's Most Powerful Pharaoh — Fexingo History / Ramses II and the Rise of the Sherden Mercenaries
Transcript
- Lucas: If you've been stepping into history with us episode by episode, you know we’ve covered the temples, the mummies, and even the first labor strikes of Ramses II. Luna: But we haven't really talked about the men standing right behind him. Lucas: Exactly. And today, we’re looking past the stone carvings to the people who actually wielded the swords. Specifically, a group known as the Sherden. Luna: I remember seeing them in the relief panels at Abu Simbel. Lucas: You have a good eye for detail. They are unmistakable in those carvings—wearing horned helmets with a ball on top and carrying large, circular shields. Lucas: But here is the thing that always fascinates me: they weren’t originally Egyptian. They were sea-raiders from the Mediterranean coast, likely Sardinia or nearby islands. Luna: So they started as pirates before becoming soldiers? Lucas: In a manner of speaking, yes. Early in Ramses II’s reign, they were part of a coalition that attacked Egypt’s northern coast during the dry season, trying to plunder grain ships. Lucas: The Pharaoh didn’t just defeat them; he captured many and integrated them directly into his army. It was a brilliant strategic move to turn potential enemies into loyal enforcers. Luna: That sounds like a much smarter policy than just wiping them out. Lucas: It was. By recruiting them, Ramses II gained access to experienced seafarers and warriors who knew how to fight in ways traditional Egyptian infantry did not. Lucas: They formed an elite corps of the royal guard, stationed primarily at Per-Ramesses, the great capital city he built in the Delta region. Luna: Did they keep their own cultural traditions while serving in the Egyptian army? Lucas: They certainly kept their distinct appearance. The reliefs show them with very specific hairstyles and clothing that differ from native Egyptians. Lucas: However, they also adopted Egyptian religious practices. Many Sherden soldiers appear to have worshipped Amun-Re alongside their own deities, showing a blending of cultures over generations. Luna: It’s amazing how quickly assimilation happened in the Bronze Age. Lucas: It really highlights the fluid nature of identity back then. Loyalty was often to the person holding power rather than strict ethnic lines. Lucas: One of the most famous moments for these troops was the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittite Empire. Luna: The massive clash with Muwatalli II? Lucas: Precisely. While Ramses II’s own inscriptions focus heavily on his personal bravery, modern historians believe the Sherden played a crucial tactical role. Lucas: They likely served as shock troops or rapid response units, using their mobility to counter the Hittite chariot charges that nearly overwhelmed the Egyptian lines. Luna: So they were the ones who stabilized the front when things got chaotic. Lucas: That seems to be the consensus. Their discipline and specialized equipment made them invaluable in the heat of battle near the Orontes River. Lucas: After the battle, their status only grew. Ramses II rewarded them with land grants and high-ranking positions within the military hierarchy. Luna: It’s strange to think about mercenaries having more power than some native nobles. Lucas: Power shifts constantly in empires. The Sherden proved their worth repeatedly, earning trust through blood and steel. Lucas: Their influence lasted well beyond Ramses II. Under Merenptah, they continued to serve as a key defensive force against other Sea Peoples. Luna: And they were still around when the Libyan attacks came later? Lucas: Yes, though by the end of the 20th Dynasty, some groups that had once been integrated were returning to raiding, which complicates the historical record. Lucas: But for the core period of Ramses II’s glory, they were his trusted inner circle. Luna: Do we have any physical evidence of their gear surviving? Lucas: Direct armor is rare due to corrosion, but we have depictions of their unique swords—long, single-edged blades that look quite different from standard Egyptian khopeshes. Lucas: These weapons allowed for powerful slashing strikes, effective in close quarters where chariots couldn't maneuver. Luna: It really changes how I picture the battlefield at Kadesh. Lucas: It should. We tend to focus on the pharaoh’s chariot, but the foot soldiers and specialized units decided many outcomes. Lucas: The Sherden represent a fascinating intersection of fear and respect between civilizations. Luna: From feared pirates to honored guardians. Lucas: Exactly. And their story shows how Ramses II managed his empire not just through monuments, but through smart personnel decisions. Lucas: He understood that strength comes from diversity and integration, a lesson that echoes through military history. Luna: It makes the Ramesseum feel a lot more alive. Lucas: It does. Those walls aren't just recording victories; they are memorializing the diverse people who achieved them. Lucas: Next time you see a photo of those horned helmets, think about the complex journey these men took to get there. Luna: A journey from enemy to ally, all carved in stone. Lucas: That is the beauty of this era. Identity was flexible, and loyalty was earned. Lucas: It reminds us that history isn't just about kings, but about the individuals who served them. Luna: Thanks for bringing them to life, Lucas. Lucas: Anytime, Luna. It’s always interesting to dig into the details behind the grand narratives. Lucas: By the way, if you enjoy these deep dives into the mechanics of ancient power, a small number of listeners support us monthly through buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. Luna: Yeah, it really helps keep the research going without ads. Lucas: It covers our hosting costs and allows us to spend more time on sources like the Edwin Smith Papyrus or temple archives. Luna: It’s a nice way to help preserve this kind of detailed history. Lucas: Absolutely. And it keeps the signal clear for everyone listening. Luna: Back to the Sherden though, did they ever rebel? Lucas: There are isolated incidents of unrest late in the dynasty, but generally, they remained fiercely loyal to the throne. Lucas: Their fate is tied so closely to the stability of the 19th Dynasty. Luna: It’s a testament to Ramses II’s leadership style. Lucas: It truly is. He knew how to harness talent from anywhere, regardless of origin. Luna: A practical approach to ruling a vast empire. Lucas: Practical and effective. Which is probably why his legacy endured for millennia. Luna: Well, I’ll never look at those helmets the same way again. Lucas: That’s the goal. To see the human stories behind the stone. Luna: Until next time, then. Lucas: Until next time, Luna. Keep questioning the monuments.