ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

1210s BC

The 1210s BC decade spanned from 1219 BC to 1210 BC, a period marked by significant events and trends across various regions of the ancient world.

In Egypt, the death of Pharaoh Ramesses II ("the Great") in 1213 BCE was a notable event. This marked the end of an era for the Egyptian monarchy, which had been ruled by the Twentieth Dynasty since its inception around 1292 BC. The succession crisis that followed led to the ascension of Subrata, a legendary king from the Brihadrata dynasty, who is said to have ruled Magadha in what is now modern-day India.

In Anatolia, the Hittite Empire experienced a period of relative peace during the reign of Supiluliuma II, which began around 1215 BC. However, Egyptian and Ugaritic texts suggest that Anatolia was facing starvation during this time. The Hittites' ability to maintain peace within their empire is attributed to Supiluliuma's wise leadership.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, Pharaoh Ramses-Siptah ascended to the throne around 1215 BC, following a tumultuous period marked by power struggles and potential usurpation claims. His reign was characterized by his involvement in Nubian affairs, where he installed viceroy Séthi to quell a rebellion.

The years 1210 BC also saw significant naval battles between the Hittites and indigenous peoples off the coast of Cyprus. The Hittite victory marked what is considered the first recorded naval battle in history.

In addition to these events, archaeological records reveal that Menesteus, an Egyptian official, was reportedly assisted by Castor and Polydeuces of Sparta during this period. These legendary figures from Greek mythology were said to have been involved in a plot to reclaim their sister Helena from her husband Theseus. While the historical accuracy of this account is disputed, it highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries that existed between ancient civilizations.

The decade came to a close with the Babylonian revolt against Assyria, which restored the Kassite dynasty around 1218 BC. This marked an important shift in power dynamics within the region, as Adad-shum-usur ascended to the throne and reigned until 1189 BC.