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Ancient Egypt /
Second Intermediate Period
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DYNASTIES OF THE FIRST INTERMEDIATE PERIOD
Years BCE and approximate; third row shows length in years |
| 15th Dynasty |
1650-1550 |
100 |
16th Dynasty
(vassals of the Hyksos) |
1650-1580 |
70 |
17th Dynasty |
1580-1550 |
30 |
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Period of Ancient Egypt, 1650-1550 BCE, 100 years, in which central authority was largely lost. Though the period was one of regional division and increasing poverty, it was not one of chaos or dramatic cultural decline. It spans 15th through the 17th Dynasties.
The 15th Dynasty, the Hyksos, lasted throughout the entire period, and ruled from Avaris in the Nile Delta.
Of the two other defined dynasties, only the 17th appears to have had political and cultural importance. The 16th consists of a number of minor kings who may only have been vassals of the Hyksos. Based upon modern knowledge, it may well be suggested that the 16th Dynasty was not a true dynasty at all.
The 17th Dynasty ruled from Thebes and consisted of many kings, the exact number cannot be set. In reality it may even have been several dynasties as the kings of this period came from several different families.
The relation between the Hyksos and the 17th Dynasty seems to have been largely peaceful, the Hyksos having much of their focus towards Syria-Palestine, which possibly were their homelands.
It appears that the southern cultures were best preserved through this period. From Thebes, Edfu and Kom al-Ahmar several monuments have been identified, although noted for their crude artistry. From the regions of the Hyksos very few items testify to their culture.
The conclusion of this period, bringing forth the New Kingdom, came with the attack by the Theban kings. Hyksos' king, Apopis, was first challenged by King Taa of Thebes, but he managed to defend his kingdom. Kamose, the succeeding Theban king, attacked both Apopis and Nubia. Within 3 years great advances into the lands of the Hyksos had been made, threatening Avaris. It is possible that it was Kamose who inflicted the final defeat of the Hyksos, which is what legend tells. Still, it is possible the victor over the Hyksos, was the founder of the 18th Dynasty, Ahmose 1.
© Copyright 1996-2009 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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