Middle Kingdom of Egypt

Overview

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt is marked by the reunification of Egypt and the rise of the Pharaoh Mentuhotep II of the Eleventh Dynasty.

• Reunification began with the conquest of Heracleopolis in 2033 BCE by Mentuhotep II.
• Expansion into Nubia and Sinai.
• Cult of the ruler: Pharaohs began to be worshipped as god-like figures.
• Construction of pyramids as burial tombs for god-like pharaohs.

Twelfth Dynasty

• Usurpation of Mentuhotep IV by Amenemhat I through possible civil war.
• The prophecy of Nefertiti suggests events of the period.
• Alliance with nomarchs creating a social shift similar to Babylon.
• Establishment of co-regency with decreased absolute power of pharaohs.

Senusret III (1878-1839 BCE)

• Enhanced trade with the Mediterranean world.
• Expansion into oasis regions, fortifying Delta and Sinai.
• Administrative reforms that weakened nomarch control, eroding dual rule.

Amenemhat III (1860-1814 BCE)

• Golden Age of the Middle Kingdom.
• Continued expansion and access to raw materials.
• Built the Great Canal of Meru and the Black Pyramid of Dashur.
• Large funeral complexes showcasing pharaoh power.

Decline and Succession Crisis

• Succession crisis post-Amenemhat III.
• Weak rule by Sobekneferu and intermediate period.
• Collapse of the 12th Dynasty and return to regionalism.

13th and 14th Dynasties

• 13th Dynasty controlled Middle Egypt; 14th controlled the Nile Delta.
• Potential spread of Semitic culture; links to Hebrews.
• The term Hyksos referred to as rulers of foreign countries, indicating non-Egyptian rulers.

Invasion and Migration

• Decline due to plague and famine.
• Invasion by the Hyksos with advanced weaponry and chariots.
• Establishment of separate dynasty in Thebes during 16th and 17th Dynasties.
• Conquered areas acted as vassals to foreign rulers.