Ancient Egypt “The Middle Kingdom”
Transition from “Old” to “New” Pharaohs could no longer control all of Egypt Taxation got too high Struggle for power occurred between priests and nobles Central gov’t collapsed 2200-2050 b.c.e.
Middle Kingdom Circa 2,000 b.c.e. Prince from Thebes began to restore power Reunited Egypt under Pharaoh Amenemhet I Pharaohs no longer had absolute power Pharaohs were no longer feared Were leaders and protectors
Middle Kingdom cont. Stone pyramids declined (too expensive) Rock cut chamber tombs Glassmaking began Time of peace and prosperity Priests became powerful Nobles quit listening to Pharaohs Eventually caused instability
Hyksos Egypt believed in protection from gods Hyksos invaded (Asians) Hittites & Kassites also invaded
Hyksos cont. Hyksos easily took over Egypt Used lightweight chariots Ruled Egypt for 200 yrs Built roads and forts
Hyksos cont. Eventually allowed Egyptian Princes to have some control 1570 Egyptians took back Egypt Egyptians destroyed most of the Hyksos records New kingdom is next!
The End.