The Hyksos

The History of the Foreign Invaders Who Conquered Ancient Egypt and Established the Fifteenth Dynasty

De: Charles River Editors

Narrado por: Colin Fluxman

From approximately 3100 BCE until around 1075 BCE, ancient Egypt was ruled by 20 different dynasties. The length of the dynasties varied: some, such as those during the First and Second Intermediate periods could be quite short, while the 13th and 18th Dynasties each contained more a one dozen kings and ruled over the Nile Valley for around 200 years each. Although the first 20 Egyptian dynasties varied in number of rulers and length, most shared one important attribute: they were all native Egyptian dynasties. The one important exception came during Egypt's Second Intermediate Period when a mysterious foreign group of people, known as the Hyksos, conquered Egypt and established the 15th and 16th Dynasties some time shortly after 1700 BCE. For centuries, the Hyksos rule over Egypt was an enigma shrouded in half-truths and myth. The Hyksos were sometimes mistakenly associated with the biblical Israelites, but were for the most part forgotten in modern times due to the dearth of written texts that can be dated to their rule. It was only in the mid-20th century that Egyptologists, using newly discovered and translated texts, shed fresh light on the Hyksos to reveal details about their origins and rule in Egypt.

©2016 Charles River Editors (P)2016 Charles River Editors

Good listen

Best up to date account, and right to the point. No unnecessary words. Sounds authoritative but personally I can’t figure out how to find who the specific authors are.

Good summary of a little-known period of history

This was a good summary of Kyksos history -- well told, interesting, and of about the right length.

My only complaint was that it seemed to end precipitously and left some potential discussions hanging.

This is more about what the Hyksos is not, this what it is.

This is more about what the Hyksos is not, this what it is.

There could have been more context around what was happening in the Levant, Canaan, Anatolia, and Scythian lands. Obviously if they had recurve bows and Chariots 1700-1600BC then it is know who they are and where they come from. And what was that works like. Instead it focuses on who the Egyptians where and who the Hyksos were not. With no logical insight into these people.

Informative history of an interesting period

this was a wonderful history narrated clearly and easily understood. it demonstrates the Old Testament wasn't the only civilization at the time

These people fascinate me

Would you listen to The Hyksos again? Why?

yes, and will

What did you like best about this story?

Details

What does Colin Fluxman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

inflection

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

x

Any additional comments?

History can and often is dry but this was compelling and enjoyable.