1. Ancient Egypt “The Middle Kingdom”

2. 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 b.c.e.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Hyksos Egypt believed in protection from gods Hyksos invaded (Asians)
Hittites & Kassites also invaded

6. Hyksos cont. Hyksos easily took over Egypt Used lightweight chariots
Ruled Egypt for 200 yrs
Built roads and forts

9. 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!

10. The End.