Did the Hyksos Establish the Mycenaean Civilization?
The idea that the Hyksos established the Mycenaean civilization is a persistent but ultimately unfounded claim. According to academic consensus, this assumption would imply that the Mycenaeans were Semitic, which is not supported by archaeological and linguistic evidence.
About the Hyksos
The term 'Hyksos' is a Greco-Egyptian label used by Manetho, an historian who lived around 300 BC. The term 'Hyksos' itself is often transliterated as -swt and is found on Egyptian tomb carvings and scarabs, dating to the period discussed by Manetho, Josephus, and Africanus. These sources suggest that the Hyksos may have originated in the Middle East, with some claiming they were the ancestors of the Jewish people, while others assert they were Phoenicians.
Language and Culture Differences
Despite their contemporaneity with the Mycenaeans, significant differences in language and culture suggest that the Hyksos and the Mycenaeans were distinct groups. The Mycenaeans used Linear B, a script that has been deciphered, revealing it as an Indo-European language. This is even more evident due to the high number of documented Indoeuropean words. In contrast, the Hyksos may have spoken a Semitic language, as evidenced by Semitic names found in Egyptian texts.
The introduction of chariots is another shared feature, but their spread and use do not necessarily imply a single linguistic or ethnic origin. Chariots are believed to have first appeared on the Eurasian steppes and spread from there to other regions, including Egypt. However, they did not necessarily displace existing populations; they often integrated into the local frameworks, similar to how the Normans integrated into English society after the Norman conquest in 1066.
Alternative Hypotheses
Some scholars propose that the Hyksos might have been a Semitic people led by an Indo-European elite, while the Mycenaeans might have had a similar structure. However, this hypothesis would still need to explain why the Mycenaeans imposed their language and culture rather than the Hyksos.
The more widely accepted hypothesis is that the Hyksos were not exclusively Semitic. They likely learned to use chariots as mercenaries for the Hittites. Both the Hyksos and the Mycenaeans spoke Indo-European languages and used chariots, supporting the idea that these groups shared comparable military technology.
Reevaluation of the Term Hyksos
The term 'Hyksos' essentially describes Egyptian invaders. Its applicability to people on the other side of the Mediterranean is less clear. Thus, any claims that the Hyksos were the founders of the Mycenaean civilization are likely to be based on a misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the historical context and linguistic evidence.
Understanding the complex interplay between linguistic, cultural, and military aspects is crucial for accurate historical analysis. Misattributions can lead to significant misconceptions about historical events and peoples. Continued research and reevaluation of historical sources will help clarify the true nature of these ancient civilizations.