Dynasty 14 — Delta sequence, evidence and Avaris context

The rise of Avaris

By 1800 BCE, communities of Egyptianized Canaanites and Levantines had settled heavily in the eastern delta, particularly in the port city of Avaris. These populations grew incredibly wealthy through Mediterranean and Asian trade. As the central government in Itjtawy weakened, local leaders in Avaris raised private armies and operated independently.

A new state

Between 1750 and 1700 BCE, this region broke away to form an independent state recognized as the 14th Dynasty. The historian Manetho claimed the dynasty consisted of 76 kings ruling from Xois, but archaeological evidence firmly points to Avaris as their true seat of power. The Turin Canon lists 56 kings, many bearing Canaanite or Levantine names. The region suffered heavily from civil strife, drought, famine, and plague shortly after declaring independence.