HBH 1: The Mystery of the Sea Peoples

The History of Being Human

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The History of Being Human. The name is different but the podcast is the same. The Sea Peoples, ominous harbingers of the end of an entire age. In this episode we encounter this most mysterious force of destructive pillaging pirate pilgrims in history. The Sea Peoples. All of them, the Sherden, Shekelesh, Denyen, Lukka, Ekwesh, Peleset, Teresh, Tjeker, and of course Weshesh. Who were they? Where did they come from? What did they want? How did they destroy so many powerful lands? Who could withstand their onslaught? Did their confederation cause the Bronze Age Collapse, or were they also victims of larger forces at play? We read the first hand accounts, such as they are, as we examine the written records from Egypt and Ugarit, the evidence of DNA and physical culture, to learn what we can about these terrifying raiders. And the truth is, it isn't much. Most of The Sea Peoples are a mystery that might never be unraveled. Email me with comments or corrections or questions at [e-mail]. Let me know if you wish to remain anonymous, just in case I read your comments on the next episode. Cover art: Oz by Ian Armstrong