Egyptian Dynasties > Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Background
The Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Hyksos Period, was a significant era of foreign rule and cultural interchange in ancient Egyptian history. Here's an overview:
Duration and Context: The Fifteenth Dynasty is estimated to have ruled Egypt from around 1674 BCE to 1535 BCE, during the Second Intermediate Period. This period followed the collapse of the Middle Kingdom and marked a time of political fragmentation and foreign incursions in Egypt.
Hyksos Invasion: The Fifteenth Dynasty began with the invasion of Egypt by the Hyksos, a group of West Asian, likely Semitic, people who originated from the Levant. The Hyksos managed to conquer and establish control over the northern region of Egypt, particularly the Nile Delta, during a time of weakness and internal strife in the country.
Rule and Administration: The Hyksos rulers adopted many aspects of Egyptian culture and administration, blending their own customs with those of the native Egyptians. They established their capital at Avaris (modern-day Tell el-Dab'a) in the eastern Nile Delta and ruled over Lower Egypt as vassals of their own foreign kings.
Cultural Interchange: The Hyksos Period was characterized by cultural interchange between the Hyksos and the native Egyptians. While the Hyksos maintained their own distinct cultural identity, they also adopted elements of Egyptian religion, language, and artistic styles. This period saw the introduction of new military technology, such as the composite bow and horse-drawn chariots, which greatly influenced Egyptian warfare.
Decline and Expulsion: The Fifteenth Dynasty eventually came to an end with the native Egyptian rulers of Thebes, particularly Seqenenre Tao and Kamose, who initiated a series of military campaigns to expel the Hyksos from Egypt. These campaigns culminated in the eventual reunification of Egypt under the rule of the Seventeenth Dynasty and the expulsion of the Hyksos from the country.
Legacy: The Hyksos Period left a lasting legacy on ancient Egyptian history. While the Hyksos rulers were ultimately defeated and expelled from Egypt, their brief reign had a significant impact on Egyptian culture, society, and military tactics. The expulsion of the Hyksos marked the beginning of the New Kingdom period, a time of renewed prosperity, expansion, and cultural achievement in ancient Egypt.
In summary, the Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Hyksos Period, represents a unique chapter in ancient Egyptian history characterized by foreign rule, cultural interchange, and eventual expulsion. Despite their relatively brief reign, the Hyksos left a lasting impact on Egypt's development and identity.
Second Intermediate Period
- Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt
- Sixteenth Dynasty of Egypt
- Abydos Dynasty of Egypt
- Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt
Dynasties
- Abydos Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eighteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eighth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eleventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fifteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fifth Dynasty Of Egypt
- First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fourteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fourth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Nineteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Ninth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Ptolemaic Dynasty Of Egypt
- Second Dynasty Of Egypt
- Seventeenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Seventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Sixteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Sixth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Tenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Third Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirtieth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirty First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twelfth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twentieth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Eighth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Fifth Dynasty Of Egypt Nubians
- Twenty First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Fourth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Ninth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Second Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Seventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Sixth Dynasty Of Egypt Saites
- Twenty Third Dynasty Of Egypt
