THE WARS OF EGYPT AGAINST THE LIBYANS AND THE SEA PEOPLES DURING THE REIGN OF MERNEPTAH (1213–1203 BC) AND RAMESSES III (1186-1155 BC)

Abstract

This research deals with the wars of Merneptah (1213–1203 BC)and Ramesses III (1186-1155 BC)against the Libyans and the Sea Peoples, in light of the historical sequence of these wars. The study touched upon the relationship between the Libyans and Egypt since the first Dynasty. The effects confirm that Egypt's relationship with the Libyans was not without clashes throughout the ages. In the beginning of the thirteenth century, the tribes of Central Asia Minor appeared in the theater. They were called after the Sea Peoples. These tribes spread along the coasts of Asia Minor, Syria and Palestine, and then settled on the eastern border of Egypt.

The result of these invasions was that both Merneptah and Ramesses III ordered the fortification of the entrances of the estuaries of the Nile to protect Egypt from foreign invasions, especially the Libyans who came from the west and the Sea Peopleswho came from the north and east.

The first is the wars of Merneptah, where he made an effort to preserve the empire and was forced to protect the Egyptian border in the West Delta against these attacks by the Libyans. The second axis deals with Ramesses III wars against the Libyans and the Sea Peoples.