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Overview
Hyksos
Quick Reference
A people of mixed Semitic and Asian descent who invaded Egypt and settled in the Nile delta c.1640 bc. They formed the 15th and 16th dynasties of Egypt and ruled a large part of the country until driven out c.1532 bc.
The name comes from Greek Huksōs (interpreted by Manetho as ‘shepherd kings’ or ‘captive shepherds’), from Egyptian heqa khoswe ‘foreign rulers’.
