An unknown enemy came from the horizon. In less than a century, advanced civilizations crumbled into dust.

In this episode of our ancient history series, we investigate the terrifying mystery of The Sea Peoples: the mysterious confederation of seafaring raiders who brought about the catastrophic Late Bronze Age Collapse (c. 1200 BC).

Without warning, great empires like the Hittite Empire, the Mycenaean Greeks, and the rich kingdom of Ugarit were burned to the ground. Only Ancient Egypt, under the leadership of Pharaoh Ramses III, managed to stand against the onslaught in a series of desperate land and sea battles.

Who were these mysterious warriors? Where did they come from, and why did they van ...