The Expulsion of the Hyksos, about 1585 BC (litho)

The Expulsion of the Hyksos, about 1585 BC. Towards the end of the XVIIth Dynasty Egypt revolted against the rule of the Hyksos, or "Shepherd Kings," a Semitic tribe which had long been oppressing Egypt. The insurrection was successful, and the Hyksos were slowly driven northward, until Aahmes hemmed them up in Auaris, a tract of land in the Delta which they had strongly fortified. After a long siege they capitulated, and were allowed to march out and leave Egypt unmolested. Their expulsion placed Aahmes firmly on the throne of Upper and Lower Egypt, and was the beginning of the brightest and most prosperous period in the history of the country. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.