Kamose

Kamose was a significant king of the Seventeenth Dynasty in Ancient Egypt. He ruled during the Second Intermediate Period. This was a time of divided power in the land. Kamose was the son of Seqenenre Tao. His mother is believed to be Ahhotep I. He was also the brother of Ahmose I. Ahmose eventually founded the Eighteenth Dynasty. Kamose is remembered for his military efforts to unite Egypt.

At this time, the Hyksos people ruled much of northern Egypt. The Theban kings only controlled Upper Egypt. They ruled up to Elephantine and as far north as Cusae. The Theban rulers had previously lived in peace with the Hyksos. However, Kamose wanted to expand his rule. He sought to regain control of both Upper and Lower Egypt. Some of his advisors disagreed with this plan. They had a working arrangement, or modus vivendi, with the Hyksos. This arrangement allowed for trade and movement through the north.

Kamose used several military strategies to move north. In his third year of rule, he sailed up the Nile. He first reached a place called Nefrusy. This area had an Egyptian garrison loyal to the Hyksos. A group of Medjay troops attacked and took the garrison. Kamose likely used a tactic of cutting off cities. By taking cities directly to the north, he could isolate Hyksos territory. This allowed his army to move very quickly up the river. He aimed to reclaim what he believed was his right.

During his campaign, Kamose captured a very important messenger. This messenger was carrying a letter from the Hyksos king, Awoserre Apopi. The letter was sent from Avaris to the ruler of Kush. It asked for urgent military support against Kamose. In response, Kamose ordered troops to occupy the Bahariya Oasis. This was in the western desert. This move protected his rearguard, or the back of his army. After this, Kamose sailed back to Thebes to celebrate. His victories pushed the border from Cusae past Hermopolis to Sako.

Historians have debated how long Kamose actually ruled. Most records show his third year of reign. Some scholars thought his reign ended then. However, new evidence suggests he ruled for about five years. This period is dated from 1554 BC to 1549 BC. He likely ruled with his brother, Ahmose, as a junior partner. This is known as a coregency. We know they ruled together from inscriptions found in Nubia. These inscriptions show both names side by side. This suggests Ahmose was appointed as a coregent after Kamose's third year.

Kamose also fought against the Kushites in the south. The Hyksos king had asked the Kushites for help. This suggests Kamose was already fighting in the south. He may have targeted a fortress at Buhen. This fortress had been recaptured by the Nubians. Because he was often at war, his burial was modest. He was buried in a simple, ungilded coffin. It lacked the royal uraeus, which is a symbol of kingship. This might mean he died before his burial equipment was finished.

Archaeologists found Kamose's mummy in 1857 at Dra' Abu el-Naga'. It was hidden in a pile of debris. The mummy was in very poor condition. Many items were buried with him. These included a gold and silver dagger.

He also had amulets, a scarab, and a bronze mirror. A special charm, or pectoral, bore the name of his brother, Ahmose. These artifacts help historians piece together his life. His actions set the stage for the reunification of Egypt. His efforts helped end the Second Intermediate Period.