Sea People

Any of the groups of aggressive seafarers who invaded eastern Anatolia, Syria, Palestine, Cyprus, and Egypt toward the end of the Bronze Age. They were especially active in the 13th century BC. Though the extent and origin of the upheavals remain uncertain, Sea Peoples are believed responsible for the destruction of old powers such as the Hittite empire. The Egyptians waged two wars against them (1236–23 BC and c. 1198–66). The only major tribe to settle permanently in Palestine were the Peleset (i.e., Philistines).

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