# Kamose > king of the Theban Seventeenth Dynasty **Wikidata**: [Q19327](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19327) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamose) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kamose ## Summary Kamose was the last king of the Theban Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt, known for his military campaigns against the Hyksos and his efforts to unify Egypt under native rule. He played a critical role in the transition from the Second Intermediate Period to the New Kingdom. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Egyptian history, setting the stage for the eventual expulsion of the Hyksos. ## Biography - Born: c. 1600 BCE - Nationality: Egyptian - Education: Not specified - Known for: Leading military campaigns against the Hyksos and initiating the reconquest of Middle Egypt - Employer(s): Ruler of Thebes, Seventeenth Dynasty - Field(s): Ancient Egyptian royalty, military leadership ## Contributions Kamose is credited with launching aggressive military offensives that weakened Hyksos control in northern Egypt. His actions laid the groundwork for the complete liberation of Egypt, later achieved by his successor and possible brother, Ahmose I. Kamose conducted naval raids and land-based operations that targeted Nubian and Syrian territories under Hyksos influence. These campaigns disrupted trade routes and weakened the foreign rulers' hold on Lower Egypt. He also initiated construction projects and strengthened Theban influence in Upper Egypt. ## FAQs ### Who was Kamose? Kamose was the final pharaoh of the Theban Seventeenth Dynasty of Egypt and is known for beginning the liberation of Egypt from Hyksos rule. ### What did Kamose accomplish? He launched military campaigns against the Hyksos, reclaiming parts of Middle Egypt and disrupting their control, setting the stage for the eventual unification of Egypt. ### When did Kamose live? Kamose lived during the Second Intermediate Period, approximately from 1600 to 1549 BCE. ### What dynasty was Kamose from? He was the last ruler of the Theban Seventeenth Dynasty, based in Thebes. ### What was Kamose's impact on history? Kamose's military actions initiated the decline of Hyksos power and paved the way for the rise of the New Kingdom under the Eighteenth Dynasty. ### What is Kamose's legacy? Kamose is remembered as a pivotal figure who began the Egyptian reconquest of their land, a movement that culminated under his brother Ahmose I. ## Why They Matter Kamose's military initiatives marked the beginning of the end of Hyksos dominance in Egypt. His campaigns disrupted Hyksos control and inspired a unified resistance that would be completed by the early pharaohs of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Without his efforts, the liberation of Egypt and the rise of the New Kingdom might have been delayed. His actions established a legacy of native Egyptian resurgence and inspired future pharaohs to consolidate power from Thebes. ## Notable For - Initiating the first successful military campaigns against the Hyksos - Being the last pharaoh of the Seventeenth Dynasty - Laying the groundwork for the eventual unification of Egypt - Strengthening Theban influence in the south - Conducting naval raids that disrupted Hyksos supply lines ## Body ### Early Life Kamose was born into the royal family of Thebes during the later years of the Seventeenth Dynasty. His early life was shaped by the political and military challenges posed by the Hyksos occupation of northern Egypt. As a member of the Theban royal family, he was raised in an environment of resistance and ambition to reclaim Egyptian sovereignty. ### Military Campaigns Kamose is most known for his military actions against the Hyksos, which were unprecedented among his predecessors. He launched a series of naval and land-based attacks that targeted key Hyksos positions in Middle Egypt. These campaigns were not only military but also strategic, aiming to cut off Hyksos supply lines and weaken their economic and political control. - Conducted raids on Avaris, the Hyksos capital - Led naval expeditions to intercept Nubian gold shipments to the Hyksos - Captured several Middle Egyptian towns, including Heliopolis and Memphis - Established a military presence in strategic locations to pressure the Hyksos ### Political and Military Strategy Kamose's strategy was to apply constant pressure on the Hyksos by cutting off their resources and challenging their territorial control. His military actions were aimed at weakening Hyksos dominance and asserting Theban authority. He used both land and river forces to attack and disrupt Hyksos positions, particularly focusing on their southern supply lines. ### Legacy and Impact Kamose's efforts were foundational for the eventual liberation of Egypt. His military successes inspired future campaigns by his brother Ahmose I, who completed the liberation of Egypt and founded the Eighteenth Dynasty. Kamose's actions marked the beginning of the end of the Second Intermediate Period and the rise of the New Kingdom. ### Construction and Leadership Kamose also focused on strengthening Theban infrastructure and military capacity. He led efforts to reinforce the loyalty of southern cities and reasserted native Egyptian culture and power. His leadership was instrumental in uniting the fragmented Egyptian territories against the foreign Hyksos rulers. ### Death and Succession Kamose died around 1549 BCE, possibly in battle or from illness, and was succeeded by his brother, Ahmose I, who continued his military campaigns and completed the liberation of Egypt. Kamose's death marked the transition to a new era of Egyptian history, where native rulers reasserted control over the entire nation. ### Historical Significance Kamose's contributions were not only military but also symbolic. He was one of the first to openly challenge the Hyksos and initiate a unified Egyptian resistance. His efforts were critical in setting the stage for the rise of the New Kingdom, which would become one of the most powerful eras in Egyptian history. ### Archaeological Evidence Inscriptions and military records from his reign, including the famous Carnarvon Tablet and other papyri, highlight his campaigns and his declarations of intent to expel the Hyksos. These texts provide insight into his military strategies and his vision for a unified Egypt. ### Influence on Successors Kamose's actions directly influenced the early Eighteenth Dynasty, especially Ahmose I, who used Kamose's military groundwork to fully expel the Hyksos. His efforts were recognized posthumously as essential in the eventual unification of Egypt. ### Final Note Kamose's reign, though short, was transformative. His military campaigns, strategic decisions, and leadership laid the foundation for the New Kingdom, making him a pivotal figure in Egyptian history. His legacy is preserved in ancient texts and continues to be studied for its impact on Egypt's political and military resurgence. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Czech National Authority Database 3. The Encyclopaedia of the Pharaohs (Volume I) 4. Virtual International Authority File