Kamose (Wadjkheperre)

Rejecting a divided Egypt

Following the violent death of his father, Kamose inherited the throne and immediately escalated the war against the Hyksos. Against the explicit advice of his cautious political council, who preferred maintaining the status quo and securing their local estates, Kamose absolutely refused to accept a permanently divided Egypt.

Securing the south and striking north

Before attacking the Hyksos, Kamose marched south to pacify the Kushite threat. He easily recaptured the old Middle Kingdom fortress of Buhen in Nubia and installed a trusted viceroy named Teti to secure the border. Turning north, his forces intercepted a letter from Hyksos king Apepi attempting to forge a military alliance with the Kushites. Kamose used this as proof of Hyksos weakness, raiding all the way to the outskirts of the Hyksos capital of Avaris. He plundered their storehouses and devastated Hyksos-aligned settlements before returning to Thebes. He died unexpectedly shortly after the campaign.