Lecture 6: Rival dynasts clashed during the First Intermediate Period in Egypt (c. 2200–2050 B.C.) so that nomarchs and priests looked for a return to order and justice (ma’at) under righteous pharaohs. Mentuhotep II (r. c. 2060–2010 B.C.), prince o…
Lecture 6: Rival dynasts clashed during the First Intermediate Period in Egypt (c. 2200–2050 B.C.) so that nomarchs and priests looked for a return to order and justice (ma’at) under righteous pharaohs. Mentuhotep II (r. c. 2060–2010 B.C.), prince of Thebes in Upper Egypt, founded Dynasty XI and reunified Egypt. The usurper Amenemhet I (r. 1991–1962 B.C.) founded the illustrious Dynasty XII of the Middle Kingdom, which transformed Egypt into a well-governed imperial order.
The pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom, who ruled from Thebes, reorganized royal administration, sponsored irrigation and drainage projects, and promoted trade. They, too, required lavish royal burials, but in subterranean tombs bored out of the cliffs of the Valley of Kings on the west bank of the Nile and opposite Thebes. Foremost, the pharaohs were warriors, and Senworset III (r. 1878–1843 B.C.) advanced the frontier to the second cataract in Nubia, founding military colonies and recruiting Nubian infantry into the royal army. The copper mines of Sinai were exploited, and Canaanite ports were brought into tributary alliance. Yet the pharaohs of Thebes faced hostility in Lower Egypt; under Dynasty XIII, rebellions erupted in the Delta. In the fighting, Egyptian pharaohs and rebels summoned Canaanite allies or mercenaries, known as Hyksos. In 1674 B.C., the Hyksos, experts in chariot warfare and fortifications, captured Memphis and ruled as foreign lords over Egypt for more than a century (1674–1544 B.C.).
Further Reading:
Donald B. Redford, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times.
H. E. Winlock, The Rise and Fall of the Middle Kingdom in Thebes.
Lecture 7: https://www.bitchute.com/video/GcPPXbCQ5El4/
