who were the hyksos tribe?

The Hyksos were a group of mixed Semitic-Asiatic people who settled in the eastern Nile Delta during the Second Intermediate Period of Egypt (around 1650–1550 BCE). The term “Hyksos” comes from the Egyptian phrase hekau khasut, meaning “rulers of foreign lands.”

Key Points about the Hyksos:

1. Origins: The Hyksos likely originated from regions in the Levant or the Near East. They were of Semitic origin, with cultural ties to the Canaanites.

2. Rise to Power: They gradually rose to power in Egypt, capitalizing on the weakened state of the Egyptian central government. Eventually, they established their rule over parts of Lower Egypt.

3. Capital: Their capital was Avaris, located in the eastern Nile Delta. Avaris served as a significant administrative and trade center.

4. Military Technology: The Hyksos introduced several military innovations to Egypt, including the horse-drawn chariot, the composite bow, and improved metal weapons, which the Egyptians later adopted.

5. Cultural Influence: Despite being foreign rulers, the Hyksos assimilated aspects of Egyptian culture and religion. They portrayed themselves as traditional Egyptian rulers and adopted the titles of the pharaohs.

6. Decline: The Hyksos rule ended when Ahmose I, a native Egyptian pharaoh, launched a successful campaign against them, ultimately driving them out of Egypt around 1550 BCE. This victory marked the beginning of the New Kingdom of Egypt.

7. Historical Impact: The Hyksos’ influence on Egypt was significant in terms of military technology and trade, and their expulsion contributed to the unification and strengthening of Egypt during the New Kingdom period.

The Hyksos period is often viewed as a time of foreign domination but also as a period of cultural exchange and technological advancement in ancient Egyptian history.