H EGYPTIAN SHERDEN THE ROYAL GUARD

Sherden (Polish: Sherden, Shirdanu or Shardana) is the name of a people of unknown origin who appeared in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea at the end of the 2nd millennium BC. Many scholars believe that he was one of the Peoples of the Sea who led to the political destabilization of the Eastern Mediterranean around 1300-1200 BC and almost certainly led to the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization around 1200 BC. Egyptian records indicate that the Sherden people invaded Egypt around 1280 BCE but were beaten by Pharaoh Ramses II. This ruler, noticing the high value of the warriors of this people, incorporated many Sherden prisoners into his armies, and even into his bodyguards. Interestingly, the soldiers obtained in this way most likely remained faithful to their new ruler and successfully fought on his behalf. It is worth adding that Sherden warriors distinguished themselves primarily with the use of round shields, large, one-handed swords and helmets with horns. It is also certain that they were used in combat in the Battle of Kadesh around 1300 BC.