The Second Intermediate Period (1786 B.C.-1567 B.C.)

Of Dynasty XIII little is definitely known except that there were many pharaohs, some not of royal birth. For a time Egypt remained united and even extended its foreign influence. The eastern Delta, however, was gradually being occupied by settlers, known as the Hyksos, from Asia. Dynasty XIV was set up as a second government in the western Delta, perhaps by leaders who saw the country disintegrating. The Hyksos captured Memphis about 1674 B.C., and Dynasties XIII and XIV both finally collapsed. By that time the Hyksos were in control of most of Egypt, and dynasties XV and XVI consisted of Hyksos kings.

In the south, a Theban family served as vassal rulers for the Hyksos. Gradually the Theban dynasty, known as XVII, made itself independent. Then, using weapons introduced by the Hyksos, especially the horse-drawn war chariot, the Thebans drove the Hyksos far back to the north.