The results of the new Swedish excavations at Hala Sultan Tekke, one of the largest Bronze Age cities in the Mediterranean, have attracted international attention. A 50×60 m palace complex was discovered in 2014 using radar about 20 cm below the surface. Test excavations on the edge of the complex resulted in numerous finds from the period around 1200 BC. The expedition exposed part of a defense facility where a number of lead projectiles were found, indicating a military attack. The palace contained remains of the production of purple cloth, one of the most expensive commodities of the time, and numerous figurines of gods and animals. Finds from Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Levant indicate extensive trade links that also included Sweden: Cypriot copper was exported to the Nordic countries during this period. The palace was destroyed in a violent fire after 1200 BC, after which the whole city was abandoned. The time around 1200 BC is the period during which the 'Sea Peoples' appeared. Little is known today about these mysterious people who may have started a migration out of Italy. This resulted in the decline of several high cultures: the Mycenaean in Greece, the Minoan in Crete and the Hittite in Turkey. Cities in Cyprus and the Levant were destroyed. Egypt was also attacked. The attack, destruction and abandonment of Hala Sultan Tekke are apparently linked to these dramatic events. The expedition's task is to shed light on these events through further excavations.