Egyptian Dynasties > Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt
Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt
Background
The Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt is a somewhat obscure period in ancient Egyptian history, situated during the Second Intermediate Period. Here's an overview:
Duration and Context: The Seventeenth Dynasty ruled over Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period, which spanned from approximately 1650 BCE to 1550 BCE. This period was characterized by political fragmentation and foreign domination, particularly by the Hyksos, a group of Semitic-speaking people who ruled the northern part of Egypt.
Thebes as a Power Center: The Seventeenth Dynasty emerged in the southern region of Egypt, particularly in Thebes (modern-day Luxor), which served as a stronghold against the Hyksos in the north. The rulers of the Seventeenth Dynasty sought to assert control over Upper Egypt and resist the influence of the Hyksos rulers in the north.
Ahmose I: The most prominent ruler of the Seventeenth Dynasty was Ahmose I, who is traditionally credited with leading the successful military campaign to expel the Hyksos from Egypt and reunify the country. Ahmose I's reign marked the end of the Second Intermediate Period and the beginning of the New Kingdom.
Military Campaigns: The rulers of the Seventeenth Dynasty engaged in military campaigns to reclaim territory from the Hyksos and assert Egyptian sovereignty over the entire country. These campaigns culminated in the expulsion of the Hyksos and the reunification of Egypt under native rule.
Religious and Cultural Developments: The Seventeenth Dynasty witnessed a revival of traditional Egyptian religious and cultural practices following the expulsion of the Hyksos. The rulers of this dynasty sought to restore the prestige of Egypt's ancient gods and temples and to promote a sense of national unity and identity.
Construction Projects: The Seventeenth Dynasty saw the construction and renovation of temples and monuments in Thebes and other cities in Upper Egypt. These building projects served religious, political, and commemorative purposes, reinforcing the authority and legitimacy of the rulers of the dynasty.
Legacy: The Seventeenth Dynasty played a crucial role in Egyptian history by ending the period of foreign domination and reunifying the country under native rule. Its achievements paved the way for the prosperity and stability of the New Kingdom, a period of great cultural, military, and political achievements in ancient Egypt.
In summary, the Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt represents a period of resurgence and reunification following the turmoil of the Second Intermediate Period. Its rulers, particularly Ahmose I, played a pivotal role in restoring Egyptian sovereignty and initiating a new era of prosperity and cultural flourishing in the New Kingdom.
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
