The Hyksos Period in Egypt

Egypt

by Charlotte Booth

The Hyksos were a foreign dynasty, which dominated Egypt from their capital in the Nile delta during the politically unstable Second Intermediate Period (1782-1570 BC). Portrayed by Egyptian propaganda a satheist barbarians, they were in fact a valuable part of Egyptian civilisations, and it is clear from Egyptian archaeological examination of the remains of the capital that their kings maintained relations with many foreign nations and constructed monumental buildings, using a combination of Egyptian and Canaanite styles. This book explores the religion, politics and customs of the Hyksos and provides a clear and concise overview of this short but controversial period of Egyptian history.

Genres: Egyptology

56 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a pamphlet than a book, hitting the main points of Hyksos material culture and history. Luckily for me, it's pitched to a more ignorant (undergrad?) audience than John Van Seters' "Hyksos: A New In investigation," but it lacks the style and historical perspective of Van Seters, who explains how ideas about the Hyksos have changed as the result of modern discoveries. Best to read both.

[Pete Missingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this short book, 43 pages basically, with the vague feeling that I still didn't know the Hyksos that much better but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what was missing, as their history, architecture and religion are all covered.

[Apocryphal Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small Shire Books publication provides a short but factual overview of the Hyksos dynasty of. This dynasty, the 15th, ruled the northeast of Egypt after the fall of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom. It was contemporaneous with the 16th dynasty (ruling on the northwest) and the 17th dynasty (ruling in the centre and south).

The book examines who the Hyksos were (likely of Canannite stock from Byblos, who had lived here for a few generations but remained in touch with their roots), the extents of their kingdom, their culture and their history. It also spends some time on the archaeology of their main city, Avaris.

The book is compact and largely restricts itself to accepted facts rather than trying to justify theories. It's quite well illustrated. As a short history book, it accomplishes its job. It covers enough material so satisfy readers. Recommended if you like the period.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and informative.