Middle Kingdom
Quick Summary
The Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt, spanning roughly from 1980 to 1760 BCE, marked a period of reunification and stability after the First Intermediate Period. This era saw the rise of the 11th and 12th dynasties, with Thebes emerging as a significant center. Kings like Mentuhotep II are credited with reuniting Egypt, and his reign laid the groundwork for the Middle Kingdom's cultural and administrative advancements.123
During this time, there was a revival of Old Kingdom artistic styles and a move to re-establish central authority, though attempts to curb the power of regional governors (nomarchs) were not entirely successful long-term. The Middle Kingdom also saw increased interaction and immigration from Southwest Asia, which eventually contributed to the instability of the Second Intermediate Period. The period is also noted for its literary output, with texts offering commentary on kingship and morality.324
- ancient Egypt - The 10th (c. 2080–c. 1980 bce ) and 11th (c. 2080–c. 1940 bce ) dynasties
- ancient Egypt - The end of the Second Intermediate Period
- ancient Egypt - The 13th dynasty (c. 1759–c. 1630 bce ) and 14th dynasty (c. 1759–c. 1530 bce )
- ancient Egypt - The king and ideology: administration, art, and writing
- ancient Egypt - The 12th dynasty (c. 1939–c. 1760 bce )
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World Heritage siteThe Nubian preservation campaignA chain of Middle Kingdom mud brick fortresses near the Second Cataract received well-merited attention but could not be salvaged, because of the nature of their construction. Expeditions uncovered rich remains of Nubian A Group and C Group people, in the shape of cemeteries and even houses, and…
Read MoreA chain of Middle Kingdom mud brick fortresses near the Second Cataract received well-merited attention but could not be salvaged, because of the nature of their construction. Expeditions uncovered rich remains of Nubian A Group and C Group people, in the shape of cemeteries and even houses, and…
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Al-Lāhūn…was the location of a Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) pyramid and of a workmen’s village of approximately the same date, and findings in the early 21st century revealed that it was a significant site in the Early Dynastic period (c. 2925–c. 2575 bce) as well.
Read More…was the location of a Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) pyramid and of a workmen’s village of approximately the same date, and findings in the early 21st century revealed that it was a significant site in the Early Dynastic period (c. 2925–c. 2575 bce) as well.
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Karnak…extant traces of the original Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) temple save a small jubilee shrine of Sesostris I (reigned 1908–1875), now reconstructed from fragments found inside the third pylon. At the beginning of the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1075 bce), Thutmose I (reigned 1493–c. 1482) enclosed this
Read More…extant traces of the original Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) temple save a small jubilee shrine of Sesostris I (reigned 1908–1875), now reconstructed from fragments found inside the third pylon. At the beginning of the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1075 bce), Thutmose I (reigned 1493–c. 1482) enclosed this
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ṢaqqārahDuring the Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) relatively few tombs were added to in the Ṣaqqārah necropolis. In the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1075 bce), however, Memphis became a principal administrative and military centre, and a number of tombs from that period have been found, including the finely…
Read MoreDuring the Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) relatively few tombs were added to in the Ṣaqqārah necropolis. In the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1075 bce), however, Memphis became a principal administrative and military centre, and a number of tombs from that period have been found, including the finely…
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dressAncient EgyptUnder the Middle Kingdom (its capital at Thebes), which prospered until about 1630 bce, the masculine skirt could be hip- or ankle-length. More material was now used, making the garment fuller, such fullness being concentrated in the centre front; and the pendants became more elaborate and ornamental.…
Read MoreUnder the Middle Kingdom (its capital at Thebes), which prospered until about 1630 bce, the masculine skirt could be hip- or ankle-length. More material was now used, making the garment fuller, such fullness being concentrated in the centre front; and the pendants became more elaborate and ornamental.…
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epigraphyAncient Egypt…writings, particularly during the early Middle Kingdom (began 1938 bce), when a profound social and spiritual crisis seems to have gripped Egypt. Of such kind are “The Admonitions of Ipuwer” (a denunciation of current sin and evil in Hebrew “prophetic” manner), the “Dialogue of a Man with His Soul,” and…
Read More…writings, particularly during the early Middle Kingdom (began 1938 bce), when a profound social and spiritual crisis seems to have gripped Egypt. Of such kind are “The Admonitions of Ipuwer” (a denunciation of current sin and evil in Hebrew “prophetic” manner), the “Dialogue of a Man with His Soul,” and…
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Egyptian art and architectureRefinements of the Middle KingdomRoyal sculptures, particularly of Sesostris III and Amenemhet III, achieved a high degree of realism, even of portraiture. The first true royal colossi were produced in the 12th dynasty (if the Great Sphinx of Giza is discounted) for the embellishment of cult temples.…
Read MoreRoyal sculptures, particularly of Sesostris III and Amenemhet III, achieved a high degree of realism, even of portraiture. The first true royal colossi were produced in the 12th dynasty (if the Great Sphinx of Giza is discounted) for the embellishment of cult temples.…
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MemphisLater historyMemphite influence continued during the Middle Kingdom (c. 2080–c. 1760 bce), when Egypt was once more reunited, with the official residence of the 12th dynasty (c. 1939–c. 1760) at nearby Itj-tawy (near modern Al-Lisht), near the entrance to Al-Fayyūm. Several 12th-dynasty monarchs erected pyramids at Dahshūr, the southernmost of the…
Read MoreMemphite influence continued during the Middle Kingdom (c. 2080–c. 1760 bce), when Egypt was once more reunited, with the official residence of the 12th dynasty (c. 1939–c. 1760) at nearby Itj-tawy (near modern Al-Lisht), near the entrance to Al-Fayyūm. Several 12th-dynasty monarchs erected pyramids at Dahshūr, the southernmost of the…
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ThebesHistoryDuring the 12th dynasty (1938–1756), the royal residence was moved to the area of Memphis, but the kings of Egypt continued to honour Amon, their family god, and hence built temples at Thebes. After their invasion of Egypt and seizure of dynastic power about 1630, the Hyksos…
Read MoreDuring the 12th dynasty (1938–1756), the royal residence was moved to the area of Memphis, but the kings of Egypt continued to honour Amon, their family god, and hence built temples at Thebes. After their invasion of Egypt and seizure of dynastic power about 1630, the Hyksos…
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