Summary of Hyksos invasion of Egypt
Unravel the mystery of the enigmatic Hyksos invasion of ancient Egypt.
How Do You Learn Best?
Learn by Reading
Immerse yourself in the 10-minute visual lesson for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Learn by Reviewing
Jump directly to the key facts, timeline, and vocabulary lists to build a solid foundation of details.
Learn by Doing
Challenge yourself! Jump straight into the interactive games to learn by trial, error, and discovery.
Hyksos invasion of Egypt in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Apepi I
Ahmose I
Kamose
Hyksos
Avaris
The Rise of the Hyksos
Exploiting Egyptian Weaknesses
Hyksos Rule in Egypt
Resistance from Egyptian Pharaohs
Impact on Egyptian Society
End of Hyksos Rule
Legacy of the Hyksos
Historical Significance
Archaeological Evidence
Continued Study and Research
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: The Hyksos invasion of Egypt, c. 1650 BC
- When: Around 1650 BC
- Who: The Hyksos invaders, Ancient Egyptians
- Outcome: The Hyksos rule over Lower Egypt, leading to changes in Egyptian society and military technology
Famous Figures in the Hyksos invasion of Egypt
-
Ahmose I
Ahmose I was the founder of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt and played a key role in driving out the Hyksos invaders.
-
Kamose
Kamose was the last king of the Theban Seventeenth Dynasty and launched a campaign against the Hyksos in the north.
-
Apepi I
Apepi I was a Hyksos ruler who controlled Lower Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.
-
Khyan
Khyan was a Hyksos king who ruled in the northern part of Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.
Timeline of Hyksos invasion of Egypt
Hyksos invasion begins
Hyksos capture Avaris
Hyksos establish themselves in the eastern Delta region
Hyksos conquer Memphis
Hyksos establish a capital at Avaris
Hyksos rule over Lower Egypt
Hyksos extend their control to Middle Egypt
Hyksos invade Thebes
Hyksos sack Thebes
Hyksos establish control over Upper Egypt
Hyksos build fortresses in Egypt
Hyksos adopt Egyptian culture and customs
Hyksos establish trade networks with other regions
Hyksos face rebellion from Egyptian princes
Hyksos face attacks from the Theban rulers
Hyksos lose control over Upper Egypt
Hyksos driven out of Egypt
Ahmose I defeats the Hyksos and reunites Egypt
Vocabulary List
- Hyksos
- The Hyksos were a group of Asiatic people who invaded Egypt around 1650 BC and ruled the northern part of the country for several centuries.
- Invasion
- The Hyksos invasion of Egypt marked a significant period of foreign rule in Egyptian history.
- Foreign rule
- The Hyksos were the first foreign rulers to control Egypt, bringing new customs and technology to the region.
- Asiatic
- The Hyksos were believed to have originated from the region of Canaan, which is located in modern-day Israel and Palestine.
- Rule
- The Hyksos established themselves as the rulers of the northern part of Egypt, known as the Nile Delta region.
- Nile Delta
- The Hyksos controlled the Nile Delta region, where they established their capital city of Avaris.
- Capital city
- Avaris was the capital city of the Hyksos in Egypt, where they built palaces and temples.
- Palaces
- The Hyksos constructed grand palaces in Avaris, showcasing their wealth and power.
- Temples
- The Hyksos built temples in Avaris to worship their gods and goddesses, blending their own religious beliefs with those of the Egyptians.
- Blend
- The Hyksos attempted to blend their own culture and traditions with those of the Egyptian people, creating a unique hybrid society.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- The Hyksos were a group of foreign rulers who invaded and conquered Egypt around 1650 BC.
- The Hyksos were likely of Canaanite origin and possibly came from the Levant region.
- The Hyksos introduced new military technologies to Egypt, such as the horse-drawn chariot.
- The word 'Hyksos' is of Egyptian origin and means 'rulers of foreign lands.'
- The Hyksos established their capital at Avaris in the Nile Delta region.
- The Hyksos ruled over northern Egypt for several centuries before being eventually expelled by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
- The Hyksos were responsible for introducing new agricultural techniques to Egypt, such as the cultivation of fruit trees.
- The Hyksos were known for their skill in trade and commerce, which helped to increase Egypt's wealth during their rule.
- The Hyksos worshipped their own gods and goddesses, but also adopted some of the Egyptian deities during their time in power.
- The Hyksos were able to conquer Egypt due to internal weaknesses within the Egyptian state, such as political instability and lack of a strong central government.
- The Hyksos were eventually driven out of Egypt by pharaoh Ahmose I, who founded the New Kingdom and reunited the country.
- The expulsion of the Hyksos marked the beginning of a period of Egyptian expansion and military conquest in the ancient Near East.
- The Hyksos left a lasting impact on Egyptian culture, influencing art, architecture, and military tactics during the New Kingdom period.
- The Hyksos were known for their use of composite bows and bronze weapons, which gave them a military advantage over the Egyptians.
- The Hyksos established diplomatic relations with other ancient Near Eastern powers, such as the Hittites and Assyrians.
- The Hyksos were eventually assimilated into Egyptian society after their defeat, with some members of their ruling class intermarrying with Egyptian nobility.
- The Hyksos are believed to have introduced the practice of using scarabs as amulets and seals in Egypt.
- The Hyksos were able to exploit Egypt's resources, such as gold mines and agricultural produce, during their occupation of the country.
- The Hyksos were known for their distinctive pottery styles, which were influenced by their Canaanite origins.
- The Hyksos invasion of Egypt changed the course of Egyptian history and led to the rise of the New Kingdom, a period of great prosperity and military power.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The Hyksos invasion of Egypt around 1650 BC led to the collapse of the Middle Kingdom and the establishment of the Second Intermediate Period. The Hyksos, a group of foreign rulers, took control of Lower Egypt, causing political chaos and upheaval in the region.
Long-Term Impact
The Hyksos invasion had a lasting impact on Egypt, leading to significant changes in military tactics, technology, and governance. It also influenced the art and architecture of the time, with new styles and techniques emerging as a result of cultural exchange with the Hyksos.
Cultural Significance Today
The Hyksos invasion of Egypt is remembered as a pivotal moment in Egyptian history, marking a period of foreign rule and cultural change. It serves as a reminder of the importance of military strength and political stability in maintaining power, and continues to shape our understanding of ancient civilizations and their interactions with other cultures.
Hyksos invasion of Egypt Games
Take Your Learning Offline
Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!
- ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
- ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
- ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
