Its duration occupies all the Second Intermediate Period.  In parallel, in the Delta, the Hyksoses found the 15th dynasty. In the south, the Nubienses seize a part of the territory. The local governors tend to take their autonomy. The monumental art degenerates, the centers of traditions as Menphis being lost. It is a dynasty of transition. It only controled the Upper Egypt and a part of the Middle Egypt. The Pharaohs of this dynasty had to pour a tribute to the Hyksoses. 

Nor the number, nor the succession of the kings of the 17th  Dynasty is not known with certainty.  In a recent article, Vandersleyen proposes an order different of the one of Vernus and Yoyotte. The most known Pharaohs of the first phase are the brothers Intef.

Intef Noubkheperre, (ex Intef V, now Intef VII) shaped a cartel with the provinces of Coptos and Abydos to counter the Hyksoses. He constructed in the temple of Osiris in Abydos.  Petrie there recovered some columns w ith his name (Petrie, 1902, Abydos, Part I, LV and LVI plates).

The times  are full of brutality and  war. King Intef VII has been buried with his weapons. Also testify the king's mummy that follows shortly after, Seqenenre Djehuty-Aa (ex. Taa) recovered with a bent body, a bumpy face and a skull pierced with holes.

The reconquest of the territory by these princes or Theban kings were only finished with Kamosis at the end of this dynasty and especially with Amosis that founded the 18th dynasty.

From the end of this period, the Museum of the Louvre possesses the stele C90  of Iat.