When Tao received word from Apophis, ruler of the Hyksos capital in Avaris, that the hippopotami in the sacred pool at Thebes kept him awake with their snoring, Tao regarded it as an insult.

The hippopotami were 400 miles from Apophis sleeping chambers! Tao declared war but was soon killed. His mummy shows evidence of blows by battle-axes, spears and lances. His ribs, vertebrae and skull were fractured. His heir, Kamose, assumed the throne and the war, and was victorious.

Kamose
(Wadjkheperre)
The 15th king of the 17th Dynasty was the son of Sekenenretao and Queen Ahhotep and was the brother of Ahmose I. Kamose’s father had been at war with the Hyksos. When Sekenenretao died suddenly, Kamose assumed the throne and the war. Kamose went into war with horse and chariot.

His chariots were lighter and more maneuverable than in previous eras. He also had the advantage of having the Medjay as allies. These Nubian forces were ferocious hand to hand combatants that fought in the front lines. Kamose overcame the enemy at Nefrusy and moved into the oasis of Baharia.

He then sailed up and down the Nile in search of traitors. When Kamose died, either of natural causes or of battle wounds, without an heir, his brother, Ahmose I took the throne. Kamose was the last king of the 17th Dynasty. Ahmose I was to begin the New Kingdom.