Chapter 2 Section 3: The Middle Kingdom Main Idea: The Middle Kingdom was a golden age of peace, prosperity, and advances in the arts and architecture.

The Middle Kingdom About 2,300 B.C., the pharaohs lost control of Egypt. After 200 years of chaos, a new dynasty came to power and moved the capital of Egypt to Thebes where they restored order and stability. During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt took control of new lands and forced conquered people to pay tribute. Within Egypt, new riches were used to build waterways, dams, and a canal between the Nile River and the Red Sea.

Architects created a new Form of architecture in Painters covered the walls of tombs and temples with colorful scenes of the dieties and daily life Sculptors created large wall carvings and statues of pharaohs showing them as ordinary people rather than god-like Arts, Literature, and Architecture flourish During the Middle Kingdom Architects created a new Form of architecture in Which pharaohs had their Tombs cut into cliffs West of the Nile in the Valley of the kings Poets wrote love songs and tributes to the pharaohs

The Valley of the Kings

Who Were the Hyksos? By about 1670 B.C., the Middle Kingdom ended and Egypt faced threats from outsiders known as the Hyksos from Western Asia. The Hyksos were mighty warriors who crossed the deserts on horse-drawn chariots and used weapons made of bronze and iron. Egyptians fought on foot with copper and stone weapons and were no match for the Hyksos. The Hyksos conquered Egypt and ruled for 150 years.

Ahmose 1550 B.C. An Egyptian prince who led an uprising that drove the Hyksos out of Egypt. His rule began a period known as the New Kingdom. During the period from 1550 B.C. to 1080 B.C., Egypt became richer and more powerful. Egyptians marched their armies into western Asia and brought other lands under control. During the New Kingdom, Egypt reached the height of its glory.

Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut 1480 B.C. A queen who became the first woman to rule Egypt in her own right. More interested in trade than conquest. During her reign trade expanded and brought great wealth to Egypt. Used some of her wealth to build monuments. One of her greatest projects was a great temple and tomb in the limestone cliffs of the Valley of the Kings.

The Valley of the Queens Temple of Queen Hatshepsut 1473-1458 B. C. E.

Thutmose III 1450 B.C. Nephew of Hatshepsut. Began aggressive wars of conquest and expanded Egypt’s borders north into Mesopotamia and south into Nubia. Under Thutmose, Egypt controlled more land than it ever had. Thutmose’ empire grew rich through trade and tribute. Claimed gold, copper, ivory and other valuable goods from conquered people. Enslaved many prisoners of war as slavery became widespread during the New Kingdom. Put slaves to work building palaces, temples and monuments in the capital city of Thebes.

Ankhenaton: First Monotheist? 1352-1336 B. C. E.

Akhenaton (Amenhotep) 1370 B.C. Came to the throne with his wife, Nefertiti and tried to lead Egypt in a new direction. Introduced a new religion that swept away the old gods and goddesses. Reduced the priest’s power by seizing their lands and closing temples. Called for worship of only one god called Aton. Changed name to Akhenaton which means Spirit of “Aton”

Queen Nefertiti

Akhenaton First to introduce the idea of belief in one god or monotheism. Made enemies with the priests who refused to accept Aton as the only god. Became so devoted to the new religion that he neglected his duties as pharaoh. Took no action when Egypt was attacked by the Hittites and lost most of its lands in western Asia.

The Ankh – The “Cross” of Life

Archaeologist, Howard Carter (1922)

Entrance to King “Tut’s” Tomb

King Tutankhamon’s Death Mask 1336-1327 B. C. E.

King Tutankhamon

King Tutankhamun’s Tomb D:\Animations\whs05_02_39B.html

Treasures From Tut’s Tomb

Tutankhamen Inherited the throne from Akhenaton when he was 10 years old. Relied on help from palace officials and priests who convinced him to restore the old religion. Ruled for only 9 years and died unexpectedly. King Tut is best known because his grave was found undisturbed and held incredible treasures.

Ramses 1279 B.C. Reigned for 66 years and regained lands in western Asia. Rebuilt the Egyptian empire and launched an ambitious building program, constructing major new temples. Most magnificent temple built was Karnak at Thebes with a columned hall decorated with colorful paintings. Most important monument built was at Abu Simbel. Many temples were built by enslaved people captured in war.

Abu Simbel: Monument to Ramses II 1279-1213 B. C. E.

The Battle of Kadesh Ramses II at Kadesh Treaty of Kadesh

Who Are These Strange People?