Tell el-Dab'a

Tell el-Dab'a, located in Egypt's Nile Delta, was the site of Avaris, the capital city of the Hyksos, occupied by Asiatics during the end of the 12th Dynasty into the 13th Dynasty. The site is characterized by its blend of Egyptian and Canaanite architectural elements, including residences, defensive structures, and temples. Notable are the unique burial practices, such as servant and donkey burials, reflecting the cultural syncretism and social hierarchy of the time. The discovery of Minoan frescoes highlights the site's artistic influences and connections with the eastern Mediterranean. The city experienced significant immigration, resulting in overcrowding and the necessity for defensive walls by the late Hyksos period. These characteristics position Tell el-Dab'a as a significant archaeological site, providing insights into the Hyksos civilization and their interactions with neighboring cultures.