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--- The Middle Kingdom --- |
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The last ruler of the Old Kingdom, Pepy II, held power
for a long time, perhaps 94 years. During his reign, the power of the king
declined and provincial governors took control.
This shift in power had caused Egypt to fall into chaos, particularly that
it was followed by a series of low Niles. This period is known as the
First Intermediate Period, which lasted for about 140 years, during which
the country was divided and at war. Nevertheless, Mentuhotep I, a southern
king from Thebes (modern Luxor), managed to unite the country again. His
reign marked the beginning of the Middle Kingdom’s era.
The first years of Mentuhotep’s reign were ones of bitter fighting. In the
14th year of his reign, however, he overthrew the people of Abydos in
Lower Egypt and eventually extended his rule over the entire country. He
reigned for 50 years and guided Egypt to a new era of peace and
prosperity. The Middle Kingdom lasted for 250 years, and was marked by the
rule of the kings of Dynasty XII. During this time, trade was built up
with eastern Asia and the south, and the defensive “Walls of the Prince”
were built to keep out the raiding hordes from Asia that tried to
infiltrate the Delta from the east.
When the Middle Kingdom ended about 1785 B.C., the Second Intermediate
Period began. It was a time of chaos and confusion, marked by the rule of
the Hyksos. The Hyksos, coming from the east, took control of the Delta
area of Egypt and made up Dynasty XV. Their reign lasted for 100 years.
The Hyksos were eventually expelled from Egypt by two Theban rulers,
Kamose and Ahmose; Kamose took the Hyksos capital of Avaris and his
younger brother Ahmose drove the Hyksos out of Egypt. With the princely
line of Thebes in control of Egypt, Dynasty XVIII was born and the New
Kingdom began . |
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Pharaonic
Egypt History |
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