13th Dynasty

Fact 1 on 13th Dynasty:

The 12th royal line of kings and the Middle Kingdom had ended with the death of Queen Sobeknefru who died leaving no heir. This led to chaotic political instability in which powerful men, both officials and military leaders fought to take control of the land of Egypt
 

Fact 2 on 13th Dynasty:

Throughout this period the capital remained at the city of It-tawy and saw a numerous succession of different usurpers and rulers.
 

Fact 3 on 13th Dynasty:

According to Manetho, an ancient Egyptian historian 60 kings reigned for 153 years.
 

Fact 4 on 13th Dynasty:

It is probable that some leaders of Asian (Bedouin) military forces encroached on the lands of Egypt during this period taking brief periods of rule only to be ousted by stronger contenders.
 

Fact 5 on 13th Dynasty:

The Hyksos, nomadic tribes from Syria, Canaan and the east in Arabia, then started to encroach on areas in the Nile Delta. The city of Avaris was their power base (see map below).
 

Fact 6 on 13th Dynasty:

Cities, especially in the Delta, opted for independence creating further instability.
 

Fact 7 on 13th Dynasty:

The rulers failed to keep control and centred their activities in It-tawy in the Nile Delta of Lower Egypt.
 

Fact 8 on 13th Dynasty:

In the southern borders of Upper Egypt in Nubia military discipline collapsed in the Egyptian forts, and garrisons were withdrawn allowing the Nubians to take over the fortresses.
 

Fact 9 on 13th Dynasty:

This line of It-tawy kings lost control and their successors set up their power base in Xois.