Popular lore suggests the Hyksos, a mysterious group of foreign invaders, conquered the Nile Delta around 1638 B.C. and remained in power until 1530 B.C. But written records of the dynasty are scarce, and modern archaeologists have found few material signs of the ancient military campaign.
Now, new research lends weight to an alternative theory on the Hyksos’ origins.
A foreign dynasty, known as the Hyksos, ruled parts of Egypt between c. 1638–1530 BCE.
Their origins are thought to be rooted in the Near East, which is supported by architectural features and grave accoutrements of Tell el-Dabca. In this former Hyksos capital in the Eastern Nile Delta, burial culture is characterized by a blend of Egyptian and Near Eastern elements.
However, investigations are still ongoing as to where the Hyksos came from and how they rose to power. The aim of this study is to elucidate the question of possible provenience.
We present the results of strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) ratios of human tooth enamel (n = 75) from Tell el-Dabca, focusing on comparing pre- and during Hyksos rule and sex-based differences.
An influx of non-locals can be observed in the pre-Hyksos period (12th and 13th Dynasties, c. 1991–1649 BCE) during the constitution of this important harbor town, while the number of individuals already born in the Delta is larger during the Hyksos period.
This is consistent with the supposition that, while the ruling class had Near Eastern origins, the Hyksos’ rise to power was not the result of an invasion, as popularly theorized, but an internal dominance and takeover of foreign elite. There is a preponderance of non-local females suggesting patrilocal residence.
We discuss our findings against the current evidence of material culture and historiography, but more investigation in Near Eastern comparative sites has to be conducted to narrow our future search for the actual origins of the Hyksos.
Original Articles:
Who were the Hyksos? Challenging traditional narratives using strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of human remains from ancient Egypt.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235414
New Research Reveals Surprising Origins of Egypt’s Hyksos Dynasty.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/first-foreign-takeover-ancient-egypt-was-uprising-not-invasion-180975354/
To my dear subscribers, thank you all. You have my love and appreciation.
My latest history merch! Sea Peoples meet Late Bronze Age humor! I thought this was pretty amusing.
https://teespring.com/new-sea-peoples-coffee-mug?pid=658&cid=102908
Support the channel below! Celebrate the birthplace of civilization and get our Sumerian Shirt | Hoodie | Coffee Mug today! CLOTHES: https://teespring.com/Sumerian-Clothing?pid=212&cid=5818
COFFEE MUGS: https://teespring.com/sumerian-coffee-mug?pid=658&cid=102908
Check out our new store! https://teespring.com/stores/the-history-shop
Get your Sea Peoples | Late Bronze Age Merch below!
Mugs: https://teespring.com/new-sea-peoples-mediterranean?pid=658&cid=102950
Hoodies | Shirts | Tank Tops: https://teespring.com/get-sea-peoples-mediterranean?pid=212&cid=5819
Get your Hittite Merch below!
Mugs: https://teespring.com/HittiteEmpireMug?pid=658&cid=102950&sid=front
Shirts | Tank Tops | Hoodies: https://teespring.com/hittite-empire-shirt?pid=2&cid=2397
Trojan War Merch Below!
Mugs: https://teespring.com/trojan-war-coffee-mug?pid=658&cid=102950
Tank Tops | Shirts | Hoodies: https://teespring.com/TrojanWarShirt?pid=2&cid=2397
To support the channel, become a Patron and make history matter!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/The_Study_of_Antiquity_and_the_Middle_Ages
Donate directly to PayPal: https://paypal.me/NickBarksdale
Enjoy history merchandise? Check out affiliate link to SPQR Emporium!
http://spqr-emporium.com?aff=3
*Disclaimer, the link above is an affiliate link which means we will earn a generous commission from your magnificent purchase, just another way to help out the channel!
Join our community!
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/THESTUDYOFANTIQUITYANDTHEMIDDLEAGES/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickBarksdale
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/study_of_antiquity_middle_ages/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/164050034145170/
Check out the awesome work of our narrator and contributor DW Draffin!
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR
https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=DW+Draffin
STAGE ACTOR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTeptGVpKBg&list=PLIr7Hktne3NvyC95O7MhgT4QfEvCSzHNl
INDEPENDENT AUTHOR
https://www.amazon.com/DW-Draffin/s?k=DW+Draffin
If you need a professional then contact him!
Music Attribution: The Nile by Pawl D. Beats
Photo attribution: Manna Nader, Gabana Studios Cairo
Video Footage: Nile Crossing - Real Time ISS Earth Orbit [ 4K ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8sTFIyUqf8&t=673s "