Middle Kingdom Egypt
The Middle Kingdom is set from 2050-1800 B.C., Dynasties 11 and 12. It can be identified by many events that took place at this time. The Middle Kingdom is also traceable through its rulers. Egypt is exiting a time of chaos into an era of stability and unity for much of Egypt. This era also witnessed a time of great building throughout the country, with trade picking up. Many resources, which before had been unused, were now being exploited and can seen in its great art. Along with art there is an expansion of the scribe sector and literature can be found form this time period. The combination of these aspects of the Middle Kingdom resulted in the prosperity of Ancient Egypt. Although the 11th Dynasty starts with a succession of rulers, Intef I - III, the Middle Kingdom begins with the reunification of Egypt when Mentuhotep I ousted the kings of Herakleopolis. Mentuhotep I assumed the Horus name Divine of the White Crown, claiming all of Upper Egypt. Mentuhotep I's reign is chronicled by his name change. He took the name "Pleased is the Lord Re" when he took the throne and later that of "Uniter of Two Lands". He ruled for 50 years and his reign brought much stability to Egypt. Mentuhotep built or restored several temple
His policy was to fortify the northern border against the Asian nomads as was interested in expedition. Another benefit from the great amounts of papyri found educates us of the inner workings of the government through official documents. He built his pyramid at Dahshur along with those for his queen and princess. At these building sites, relief carvings can be found which details are far superior to those found in his father's reign. That Amenemhat was aware of his humble origins is shown by several literary sources, among them the so-called "Prophecy of Neferti", which claims to have been written during the Old Kingdom and which predicts the rise to power of Amenemhat I. He had a 45 year reign which may be lower because of his co-regency with his father and later his son. He was an imposing figure with his stern look and 6'6" frame. Senusret III divided the country into three parts each being governed by a council to report to a vizier. The temple of Osiris at Abydos was also very popular with the ruling elite and the population in general, making the cult of Osiris one of the most popular in the country. For him he built temples in Medamud, Armant and Tod. He was particularly active in Upper-Egypt as is shown by monuments in Dendara, Abydos, Elkab and Elephantine. This not only stressed the importance of Abydos as a religious site, it also promoted the cult of Osiris as a funerary god. Following the pattern of naming sons after their grandfathers, Senusret II became ruler of Egypt. The most famous monument built by Mentuhotep I was his funerary monument. He drove away these Bedouin from the Delta and constructed a fortress called "Walls of the Ruler" to control the traffic between Egypt and Asia.
Common topics in this essay:
Middle Kingdom,
Senusret II,
Libya Amenemhet,
Mentuhotep II,
Amenemhet III,
Prophecy Neferti,
Dra Abu,
Mentuhotep III,
Senusret III,
Evidencing Senusret,
middle kingdom,
deir el-bahari,
mentuhotep iii,
egypt mentuhotep,
mortuary temple,
12th dynasty,
built pyramid,
amenemhet iii,
senusret ii,
built pyramid dahshur,
near deir,
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Acceptance Essays
