Hyksos: The Forgotten Pharaohs of Egypt
The Hyksos were a group of people who invaded and ruled parts of ancient Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period (circa 1650–1550 BCE). The term "Hyksos" is derived from the Egyptian phrase "heqa-khaset," meaning "rulers of foreign lands." The Hyksos were a mix of Semitic and Canaanite peoples, and their origin is believed to be in the eastern Mediterranean, possibly from regions like Canaan. The Hyksos invasion of Egypt is traditionally associated with a period of political instability and weakness in the Egyptian government. They likely entered Egypt peacefully at first, establishing themselves in the northeastern Nile Delta. The Hyksos established their capital at Avaris in the Nile Delta and gradually extended their control over parts of northern and central Egypt. They ruled over a region often referred to as the "Hyksos Kingdom." The Hyksos are often credited with introducing military innovations to Egypt, such as the horse-drawn chario...