Welcome back to Ancient Egypt! This chapter addresses the period of the 2nd Intermediate Period, from about 1783 BC to about 1550 BC. Since this is such a significant era, followed by an even more important era, we will cover the 2nd Intermediate Period by itself.
The 2nd Intermediate Period is characterized by an overall state of stability and progress, however it did not begin, nor did it end, under those favorable auspices.
Exiting the Middle Kingdom era, Egypt came under the control of Canaanites called Hyksos, “ruler of the foreign land”. The Hyksos ended the 13th dynasty of Upper Egypt and the 14th Dynasty of Lower Egypt to form a single 15th dynasty. However their real control only reached as far as Thebes. Thebans re-gathered their elite and founded a 16th dynasty which the Hyksos took another 30 years to conquer. It was a fruitless battle of resources as after a few short years the Hyksos once again lost control of Lower Egypt and the Thebans formed the 17th dynasty around 1640 BC. From that point until the end of the 2nd Intermediate Period, the Hyksos maintained trade functions and peaceful political relations with Lower Egypt.
The Hyksos had other concerns for the lands they controlled in Upper Egypt. Famines were frequent due to lower than expected Nile flooding. In response, the Hyksos imported new plants and vegetables from Palestine and cattle (zebu) from Nubia to be raised. They also supported these new species by developing new irrigation methods to get the most out of what flooding the Nile was providing. In the field of textiles, a significant progression was the importation of the vertical loom. Bronze working was introduced, enabling the development of stronger tools and weapons. The first chariots are also seen during this era.
Along with providing new skills and knowledge to the conquered Egyptians, the Hyksos revitalized a dying culture while still maintaining its most sacred institutions. Learning and experimentation became a prime directive of this period - how to obtain the most from limited resources.
The 2nd Intermediate Period came to a nasty end when the Pharaoh of Upper Egypt insulted the Pharaoh of Lower Egypt, igniting all out war. The Pharaoh of Lower Egypt was killed but after three years his son Kamose was successful in routing the Hyksos, forcing them to return to Palestine.
Visit again and follow the history of Egypt through the New Kingdom.
by Vicki Gardner
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