There does seem to be quite a coincidence in the large eruption of 1653 BC and the beginning of the Hyksos period in Egypt, and one wonders whether the climatic effects of that eruption was a catalyst for the change in political landscape . Indeed, one must also consider the possibility that this Hyksos period may have ended around the time of the Theran eruption. If we accept that Pearson et al. (2018) is correct and that there is an error in the current radiocarbon calibration curve, and thus the true radiocarbon dates for Thera are in the mid 16th century BC, and if we accept that Thera was a large and climatically effective eruption, then Bristlecone pine would suggest eruption dates of either around 1560 BC or 1546/44 BC. using our revised ice core chronology we have a large volcanic acid signal at 1560 BC, but none around 1546/44 BC. So this makes the 1560 BC date attractive as a possible date for Thera. It is tempting (and fun!) to consider then that The Hyksos period is bracketed by two large claimtaic effective eruptions, and echoes the BIblical story of how the Israelites entred Egypt at a time of famine (sudden climatic/environmental deterioration?) and left under catastrophic phenomena (albeit the relative biblical time line does not match).

That said, there may well be one issue with all this. The Egyptian chronology is supported by radiocarbon dates, which use the current calibration curve in the 17th/16th centuries. So if there is an error in the calibration curve, then the current dates may be uncertain, especially if the radiocarbon ages are now located upon the "plateau".

Jonny

The path to good scholarship is paved with imagined patterns. - David M Raup