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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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