The Hyksos (Egyptian, "foreign rulers", also translated as "shepherd kings") were Semitic peoples (possibly a coalition of Canaanite, Amorite and similar Middle Eastern peoples) who conquered Egypt in the 18th or 17th Century. They captured Memphis and exacted tribute from the rest of the country. They established a stronghold at Avaris (modern Tall ad-Dab'a), on the northeastern border of the Nile delta, but left the territory above Memphis under the rule of tributary princes of the Egyptian nobility. Evidence from inscriptions and sculpture and pottery remains shows that the Hyksos adapted themselves to Egyptian customs and took Egyptian names.

The Hyksos introduced the horse into Egypt; in fact, their conquest of Egypt was probably due to such superior military features as horse-drawn chariots. Their period of their rule was a time of peace and prosperity for Egypt. They maintained tribute or trade relations with the Minoans and Babylonians. They respected the native religions, maintained ancient Egyptian as the official language of the government, and allowed many Egyptians to serve in the high levels of the administration of the state. They taught the Egyptians new military techniques and introduced the use of the horse and chariot, previously unknown elements in the Egyptian army. For this reason, their troops may have been trained during their sojourn in Egypt.

The Hyksos were unable to quell the feelings of Egyptian nationalism as Egyptian revolts were harshly dealt with. They held the southern lands in check with an alliance with the Nubian kingdom of Kush. Despite this, the southern Egyptian city of Thebes finally began a war of independence that culminated with the expulsion of the Hyksos by Ahmose I (reigned c. 1539-14 BC or 1580-57, depending on sources used).

Enemies: New Kingdom Egyptians, Syro-Canaanite.

More Armies for Ancient Chariot Era Warfare

Hyksos 1750-1350 BC
Syro-Canaanite 1700-1000BC
Minoan / Early Mycenean 1500-1250BC
Elamite 1500-639BC
Hittites 1500-1180BC
Trojan War 1250-1150BC
New Kingdom Egyptians 1500-1005BC
Assyrian 1400-745BC