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How did Theban rulers drive the Hyksos out of Egypt?
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Thebes
Temple of Hatshepsut at Dayr al-Baįø„rÄ«, Thebes, Egypt.
The expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt was a multi-generational military effort led by Theban rulers, beginning with Seqenenre and Kamose and culminating under Ahmose I.12
- Initial Resistance: The conflict intensified under Seqenenre, who may have died in battle or through assassination during the struggle against the Hyksos king Apopis.34
- Theban Offensive: Kamose expanded the revolt, pushing the Hyksos northward toward Memphis and intercepting Apopisās attempts to form a strategic alliance with the rulers of Kush.14
- Final Expulsion: Ahmose I, the founder of the 18th dynasty, completed the liberation. He utilized waterborne operations and land sieges to capture the Hyksos capital of Avaris. After driving the Hyksos out of the Nile Delta, he pursued them into Palestine, reducing their stronghold at Sharuhen after a three-year siege.25
This victory ended over a century of foreign rule and allowed for the reunification of Egypt under a new, centralized administration.12