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The
Hyksos The Hyksos were Semitic invaders who concurred Egypt in the 17th century BC. The some of the most important information we have was written by Manetho, an Egyptian historian, in the third century BC. He incorrectly translated Hyksos name into ‘shepherd kings,’ a name we are all quite familiar with. The name ‘Hyksos’ actually means ‘rulers of foreign lands.’ He recorded an amazing immigrant success story, though from his Egyptian standpoint it was a national tragedy. He described an enormous, vicious invasion of Egypt by foreigners from the east. They swept south into Egypt, probably from Palestine and Syria. The Hyksos and their nomadic followers captured Memphis and exacted a tribute from the rest of the country. Manetho reported that the Hyksos established themselves on the northeastern border of the Nile delta at a city named Avaris (possibly later Tanis). They founded the 15th dynasty there that ruled Egypt for about five hundred years with great cruelty. They did, however, leave the territory above Memphis under the rule of tributary princes of the old nobility. The Hyksos soon made a strategic alliance with the kingdom of Kush in Nubia. These “vassals” started the nationalistic rebellion that finally, under Ahmose I (reigned1550-1525 BC) attacked and defeated the foreign rulers, “killing many of them and pursuing the remainder to the frontiers of Syria.” The last two rulers of the 17th dynasty Seqenenre-Tao and Kamose had paved the way for Kamose’s brother, Ahmose. They thus ushered in the new dynasty—the 18th—and the New Kingdom. Ahmose was, by the way, the founder of the 18th Dynasty. Another helpful ancient author was Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian. The Hyksos introduced the horse into Egypt. In fact, their easy conquest of Egypt was probably due to their exceptional military features like horse-drawn chariots. Some people incorrectly align the Hyksos with the biblical story of Joseph. There is a number of evidence biblical archaeologists now have that cancels this theory. Donald B. Redford has done an extensive research project on Joseph.[1] It is interesting to note that no remarkable buildings of the Hyksos kings have survived. Archaeologists have only found traces of temple restorations remain, mainly at Bubastis. [1] Redford, Donald B. (1970) A
Study of the Biblical Story of Joseph (Leiden: E.J. Brill) |
Home Making Skills for Keepers at Home For You Unmarried Folks- Like Me! Terra's Helpful Household Hints Amish Cooking, Baking & History
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