Contents: 43 figures Poses: 13 poses Material: Plastic Colour: Olive

Cement assembly, paint required (cement and paint not included)

The Sherden are one of the more famous groups known collectively as the Sea Peoples. Their origins are obscure but historians delight in discussing theories and both Sardinia and Cyprus are thought possible. Already feared as pirates, they participated in attacks by the Sea Peoples on Egypt and it seems many were captured by Rameses II and subsequently fought for the Egyptians themselves, although some may have done so previously as mercenaries. They proved excellent warriors, even when defending Egypt from further Sea People incursions, and were employed both as shock troops and as a large part of the royal guard.

While images of the Sherden are few their distinguishing feature seems to have been the horned helmet. Some images also include a disc above the crown, and this is possibly a device added when they went into Egyptian service. They appear to have worn fabric or leather armour studded with metal over a kilt, and to carry a straight stabbing sword and a round shield. Unlike the Egyptians they had full beards and a moustache.

The final figure is clearly not a Sherden. He is an Egyptian and he holds the most common form of standard. This takes the form of a fan made of ostrich feathers, or it may be a painted wooden copy representing this, with a streamer below, which has become wrapped around the staff on this figure. The figure is clearly a generic one for use with the Egyptian armies of the period, which would centre around 1200 BCE but could be used for quite a considerable period besides.

This abridged appraisal is supplied care of Plastic Soldier Review.