There are innumerable theories surrounding the origins of the Hyksos and the motives for their move into Egypt. Though the Hyksos are believed to be a non-homogenous people, it’s likely they may have been of predominantly Semitic derivation. Despite the assertion that the Hyksos were armed invaders, it’s more likely that the Hyksos moved into Egypt for peaceful purposes. Hence, there are numerous hypotheses on the identity of the Hyksos and their purpose for their move into Egypt.
Though it is believed that the Hyksos were a non-homogenous people, they may have been of primarily Semitic descent. The title ‘Hyksos’ emanates from the Egyptian term ‘hekau khaswet’ or ‘rulers of foreign lands.’ As this term provides only a broad indication of …show more content…
Accordingly, B. G. Trigger (et al) states that Manetho’s assertions are not necessarily “a viable starting-point for historical study, and for this period may be largely unhistorical.”
Other hypotheses suggest that the Hyksos may have moved into Egypt with peaceful intent. J. Hawkes supports this theory in stating that the Hyksos “had long come to Egypt for trade.” Evidence for this can be found in a tomb painting from approximately 1890 B.C.E at Beni Hasan. This painting depicts Semitic Hyksos tribesmen moving into Egypt in search of trade. However, evidence for this theory is limited and seems to remain second to the proposition of migration.
This hypothesis suggests that the Hyksos were most likely provoked by the migrations of the Indo-Aryans. Accordingly, M. Hayes asserts that the Hyksos moved into Egypt under “the pressure of mounting migration movements in Western Asia.” Though this theory is generally agreed upon by most historians, the circumstances of which are uncertain. T. Hurley (et al) has suggested that the Hyksos were rather shepherds who migrated to Egypt in search of grazing land. Hence, though it’s unlikely the Hyksos were armed invaders, they may have moved into Egypt with peaceful
Though it is believed that the Hyksos were a non-homogenous people, they may have been of primarily Semitic descent. The title ‘Hyksos’ emanates from the Egyptian term ‘hekau khaswet’ or ‘rulers of foreign lands.’ As this term provides only a broad indication of …show more content…
Accordingly, B. G. Trigger (et al) states that Manetho’s assertions are not necessarily “a viable starting-point for historical study, and for this period may be largely unhistorical.”
Other hypotheses suggest that the Hyksos may have moved into Egypt with peaceful intent. J. Hawkes supports this theory in stating that the Hyksos “had long come to Egypt for trade.” Evidence for this can be found in a tomb painting from approximately 1890 B.C.E at Beni Hasan. This painting depicts Semitic Hyksos tribesmen moving into Egypt in search of trade. However, evidence for this theory is limited and seems to remain second to the proposition of migration.
This hypothesis suggests that the Hyksos were most likely provoked by the migrations of the Indo-Aryans. Accordingly, M. Hayes asserts that the Hyksos moved into Egypt under “the pressure of mounting migration movements in Western Asia.” Though this theory is generally agreed upon by most historians, the circumstances of which are uncertain. T. Hurley (et al) has suggested that the Hyksos were rather shepherds who migrated to Egypt in search of grazing land. Hence, though it’s unlikely the Hyksos were armed invaders, they may have moved into Egypt with peaceful