The Impact of the Hyksos

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What impacts did the Hyksos have on New Kingdom Egypt? The Hyksos impacted this era in Egyptian history through many significant cultural and technological developments. The foreign kings, who adopted the titles and regalia of the Egyptian pharaohs, dominated Egypt for most of the Second Intermediate Period. Frequently referred to as ‘Asiatics’ by the Egyptians, the Hyksos originated from the Middle East and extended their political and economic influence as far as Cusae in Middle Egypt. The actions of the Hyksos forced the Egyptians to become more conscious of security, adopt military policies, and reform the Egyptian army. The impacts of the Hyksos on this era are said to have driven the Egyptians to their golden age. The Hyksos had established their rule in the North of Egypt from Avaris to Cusae, and had strong ties and contacts with Nubia (the kingdom of Kush), Syria-Palestine and Crete. It was through these alliances that the Hyksos were able to eventually surround the Theban kingdom and control the trading routes between Thebes and Nubia. Because of the oppression caused by the Hyksos, Egypt now had their first true enemy. Originating from what was known as ‘Retjenu’, the Hyksos retrieved many of their products from Syria-Palestine. Close ties with Crete are also suggested through the discovery of an alabaster lid at Crete with the name of a Hyksos king engraved on it, but we cannot be certain that it was because of trading contacts with Avaris, but instead just made its way indirectly to the Palace of Knossos. Trade with Nubian Kush achieved a unique importance with the Hyksos though, because it was seen as a prominent and flourishing kingdom enriched with fine products that the Hyksos were after. The constant trade and military alliance between Avaris and Nubia easily enabled the two kingdoms to hem in the kingdom of Thebes, causing a war between them.
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