NKE-20C
John Jenkins Designs
During the 20th Dynasty Egyptian power declined, and Egypt itself was beset with Libyan incursions and attempted invasions by the sea peoples.
The Libyans were originally composed of two peoples namely the Tehenu and the Temehu. These were later joined by tribes called the Kehek and Meshwesh, the latter being the most notable of all the Libyan tribes. These peoples never did well against the Egyptians due mainly to their lack of chariots, and were no match for the Egyptians at this time.
The first Libyan War in 1193 BC, Pharaoh Rameses III of the 20th Dynasty fought a mixed army of Libyans and Sea Peoples, which were led by King Themer. The invaders were beaten back with over 12,000 killed and 1,000 taken prisoner.
Libyans wore animal hide cloaks and had dyed ostrich feathers in their hair. Many Libyans who raided Egypt during the reigns of Merenptah and Ramesses III were captured and impressed as auxiliary troops in the Egyptian army.
Ramesses III’s battle scenes illustrate many Libyans armed with bows, as well as long slashing swords traded from the sea peoples.