[WIP] Ancient Libyans

Ancient Libyan archers, 13th~11th centuries BCE

In the ancient Greek and Roman historic sources, “Libya/Libye” refer to the country/region immediately west of Egypt. The term “Libyan” is used here to include the various tribes and peoples of the area, including the Libu (From this ethnonym comes the name ‘Libya’), Meshwesh, Kehek, Tehenu, Seped, Mahasun, Esbeh, Keykesh, Shai, Hes, and Beken.

The Libyans were nomads who lived in leather tents and relied on hunting and the produce of cattle, sheeps and goats. They were usually hostile with Egypt, but some Libyans served as mercenaries in the armies of the Pharaohs. Especially the Meshwesh ultimately took control of the country and ruled as the 22nd and 23rd dynasties of Egypt.

This drawing depicts Libyan archers of the 13th~11th century BCE. It corresponds to the 19th (1292~1189 BCE) and 20th dynasty (1189~1077 BCE) of Egypt. In Egyptian sources, Libyans are usually depicted in a military context. Mural from the tomb of Seti I, tiles and reliefs from Ramesses III’s Mortuary Temple are the representive sources.

Libyan warriors were lightly armed. Most warriors wore nothing except tattoos and a loincloth. This geometric tattoos resembles the Berber people’s -who are often considered as a descendants of ancient Libu- tattoos. Some warriors wore the chest bands made of thick leather. They may have been intended as some form of protection, or just a strap for the quiver. Kilt-like short skirt was also used.

With this they wore a cloak which covered the one shoulder, sometimes with a hole for the arm, and tied up on the opposite shoulder. This was made of animal (bull, giraffe, lion, antelope) hide or a colored fabric. There were usually colored or patterned borders and geometric patterns were drawn across the garment. Bright colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, black and white are used. The Libyans used this cloak as a makeshift shield. According to Nigel Stillman and Nigel Tallis:

“In combat the left arm could be withdrawn to allow the cloak to be swung in front of the wearer, giving him greater coverage than a shield. Besides the thickness of the material, the force of a missile would be absorbed by the movement of the cloak as it struck. This idea occurs elsewhere in the Near East, usually preceding the invention of shields.”

The hair was plaited into thin plaits, and adorned with ostrich plumes or beaded headbands. This plume was considered very important, and may have indicated tribe or status. The inscriptions of Merenptah record that the defeated Libyan chief was deprived of his plume by his followers as a mark of disgrace.

Libyans mainly used spears, javelins, and the bow as their main weapons. In this drawing, they are using an angular and curved bows, both widely used around the region. However, they later adopted the bronze swords of ‘Sea Peoples’ and Egyptian-style chariots.