The fifteenth dynasty (c.1650-c.1550 BC) is associated with the Hyksos, a previously unknown people from the east, who took Avaris and spread their influence across the Delta and Middle Egypt. Itjtawy had to be abandoned and control of southern Egypt shifted to the Theban-based sixteenth dynasty (c.1650-c.1580 BC).
The war to drive the Hyksos out of Egypt began in the later years of the Theban seventeenth dynasty (c.1580-c.1550 BC). Taa II (c.1560 BC) seems to have led military skirmishes against the Hyksos, judging by the vicious head wound on his body now in the Cairo Museum (f.1835).
In his third regnal year Kamose (r.c.1555-c.1550 BC) moved north from Thebes with his army and fleet. His troops attacked and sacked Nefrusi, just north of Cusae. As he continued north he intercepted a messenger from the Hyksos to the ruler of Kush, requesting support against Kamose. Kamose sent soldiers to occupy the Bahariya oasis to cut the western desert oasis route between the Hyksos and Nubia.
After using his fleet to gain control of the river trade, Kamose returned to Thebes, where he had the account of his exploits inscribed on the temple wall. There is no evidence that he reconquered Nubia, although he certainly had begun to move southwards.
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