1650s BC

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The 1650 BC Decade: A Time of Transition and Change

The decade spanning from January 1, 1659 BC to December 31, 1650 BC was a period marked by significant events in various regions. In the ancient world, this time frame saw the rise and fall of dynasties, the emergence of new powers, and the decline of others.

In Ancient Egypt, during the Second Intermediate Period (also known as the Period of Interregnum), the princes of Thebes held power over Upper Egypt, while a foreign dynasty, the Hyksos, ruled over the Nile Delta. This period was characterized by a struggle for dominance between the two factions, with the princes of Thebes eventually gaining control and establishing their capital at Thebes. Notably, this decade saw the reigns of several notable pharaohs, including Rehotep, Sekhemre Oupmaat Intef, Antef the Old, and Sobekemsaf.

The Hyksos dynasty, which had been weakening its powers since around 1650-1540 BC, continued to face challenges from Nubian mercenaries and Egyptian opposition. However, their relations with neighboring kingdoms, such as Cyprus, northern Syria (Ras-Shamra/Ugarit), and the kingdom of Kerma, remained significant.

In the Near East, during this time frame, King Hattusil III of the Hittites reigned over his kingdom. He conquered various territories, including Zalpa on the Black Sea, Arzawa in Anatolia, Cilicia, and northern Syria. His campaigns led to the ravaging of Alalakh (Tell Atchana).

In other regions, this decade saw significant cultural developments. In Greece, around 1650 BC, people began to settle in Mycenaean cities such as Micene. On Wrangel Island, the last Woolly mammoths died, marking the extinction of a species.

Meanwhile, on Lake Zürich in Switzerland, a wooden bridge was built between Rapperswil and Hurden, known as the Seedamm. In ancient Elamite Empire, Tan-Uli's death occurred around 1655 BC. Additionally, the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus was produced during this time frame.

The Alerce Milenario is estimated to have germinated in 1653 BC, marking an important milestone in its growth and development.