Hyksos

 
Pronunciation: /ˈhɪksɒs/

plural noun

  • a people of mixed Semitic and Asian descent who invaded Egypt and settled in the Nile delta circa 1640 bc. They formed the 15th and 16th dynasties of Egypt and ruled a large part of the country until driven out circa 1532 bc.

Origin:

from Greek Huksōs (interpreted by Manetho as 'shepherd kings' or 'captive shepherds'), from Egyptian heqa khoswe 'foreign rulers'