The Middle and New Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt Lesson 

Lesson Overview

• What Are the Causes and Start of the Middle Kingdom?
• The New Kingdom: Egypt's Age of Power
• Timeline of the Middle and New Kingdoms

This lesson explores the fascinating Middle and New Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt, periods known for remarkable transformations and achievements. You will discover how Egypt rebounded from political turmoil during the Middle Kingdom, entering an era marked by stability, artistic flourishing, and renewed authority. Additionally, the New Kingdom, often recognized as Egypt's golden age, witnessed powerful pharaohs, expansive military conquests, and groundbreaking cultural advances. 

What Are the Causes and Start of the Middle Kingdom?

Reunification and Stability

• Egypt entered the First Intermediate Period (c. 2180–2050 BCE), a time of political chaos and weak leadership.
• Mentuhotep II of Thebes reunified Egypt, becoming the first pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom.
• Thebes became the new capital, and pharaohs gained stronger control over the government.

Middle Kingdom Achievements

• Irrigation projects and canals improved agriculture and protected against famine.
• Arts and literature flourished, including stories and wisdom texts written in hieroglyphics, one of the world's first writing systems.
• Pyramids were still built, but they were smaller than those of the Old Kingdom. Some pharaohs were buried in rock-cut tombs, foreshadowing the Valley of the Kings in the New Kingdom.

Expansion and Military Development

• Pharaohs expanded into Nubia (modern Sudan), securing valuable gold mines.
• Fortresses were built along the Nile to protect trade routes and prevent invasions.
• Pharaoh Senusret III led military campaigns, earning a reputation as a warrior-king.

End of the Middle Kingdom

• Egypt's power declined due to weak rulers and internal conflicts.
• The Hyksos, foreign invaders from West Asia, took control of northern Egypt, introducing horse-drawn chariots and advanced weapons.
• The Middle Kingdom collapsed, leading to the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1700–1550 BCE).

The New Kingdom: Egypt's Age of Power

The Rise of the New Kingdom

• Ahmose I, a Theban prince, defeated the Hyksos and reunited Egypt.
• The New Kingdom began focusing on military expansion and restoring Egyptian dominance.
• Pharaohs ruled as warrior-kings, creating an empire that stretched into the Near East.

New Kingdom Expansion

• Pharaoh Thutmose III expanded Egypt's borders to their greatest extent, reaching the Euphrates River.
• Egypt controlled Nubia, Canaan, and parts of Syria, bringing wealth from trade and tribute.
• Military campaigns strengthened Egypt's influence, making it a superpower in the ancient world.

Famous Pharaohs of the New Kingdom

• Hatshepsut (ruled c. 1473–1458 BCE): Egypt's first female pharaoh focused on trade and monumental building. She sent expeditions to Punt to bring luxury goods to Egypt.
• Thutmose III (ruled c. 1458–1425 BCE): A skilled military leader who led 17 successful campaigns, making Egypt the most powerful empire in the region.
• Akhenaten (ruled c. 1353–1336 BCE): Attempted a religious revolution, promoting the worship of Aten (the sun god) and abandoning traditional Egyptian gods. His focus on religion weakened Egypt's foreign affairs, leading to territorial losses.
• Tutankhamun (King Tut ruled c. 1332–1323 BCE): Reversed Akhenaten's changes and restored the traditional gods. His tomb was discovered intact in 1922, revealing Egypt's royal treasures.
• Ramses II (Ramses the Great, ruled 1279–1213 BCE): One of Egypt's greatest pharaohs, he fought the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, signed the world's first known peace treaty, and built impressive monuments like Abu Simbel.
• Ramses III (ruled c. 1186–1155 BCE): Defended Egypt against the Sea Peoples and maintained stability despite economic difficulties.

New Kingdom Architecture and Religion

• Massive temples, including Karnak and Luxor, were built. Pharaohs used these to demonstrate their power and honor the gods.
• The Valley of the Kings replaced pyramids as the main burial site for pharaohs. Hidden tombs were safer from grave robbers and allowed pharaohs to focus on monumental temples instead.
• Pharaohs promoted the worship of Amun-Re, the king of the gods, and Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

Decline of the New Kingdom

• Invasions and internal struggles weakened Egypt.
• The Sea Peoples and Libyans attacked Egypt's borders, draining resources.
• After Ramses III, pharaohs struggled to keep control, leading to the Third Intermediate Period (c. 1070 BCE), when Egypt split into smaller states.

Timeline of the Middle and New Kingdoms

Here is the timeline of the Middle and New Kingdoms in ancient Egypt: 

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Ancient Egypt: Middle and New Kingdoms