Ancient Egypt and Nubia Section 2: The Rulers of Egypt Egyptian Kingship Ancient Egyptian dynasties can be grouped into the time periods of the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Between the kingdoms were periods of unrest. According to legend, Menes was Egypt’s first pharaoh, and he united Upper and Lower Egypt. He and the other pharaohs had absolute power and were seen by their subjects as gods. 1 of 4

Ancient Egypt and Nubia Section 2: The Rulers of Egypt The Three Kingdoms The Old Kingdom was generally a peaceful time of trade with Nubia and the eastern Mediterranean. Provincial governors eventually brought down the power of the pharaohs. The rulers of the Middle Kingdom focused on public works such as irrigation projects and made Egypt rich, but they were brought down by foreign invaders. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom developed well-equipped armies that kept their empire strong. MapMaster: Egyptian Empire, About 1450 B.C. 2 of 4

Ancient Egypt and Nubia Section 2: The Rulers of Egypt Rule During the New Kingdom In 1504 B.C., Queen Hatshepsut ruled Egypt in the name of her son who was too young to rule. Her reign was a time of peace and wealth for Egypt because she welcomed trade. When her son, Thutmose III, came to power, he expanded the kingdom into Southwest Asia and Nubia. Civil war brought an end to the New Kingdom, and Egypt was later conquered by Persians, Macedonians, and Romans. Section Reading Support Transparency 3 of 4

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