Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt | DAILY BELLRINGER

Summary

This video explores the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt, detailing its timeline from 2050 BC to 1800 BC. It highlights key events like the reunification of Egypt by Pharaoh Mentuhotep II after years of civil unrest, the expansion of Egypt’s territory through military campaigns, and the establishment of a standing army under Sesostris I. The period is regarded as Egypt's 'Golden Age,' marked by artistic and cultural developments focused on common life. The video also discusses the eventual decline of the Middle Kingdom due to external invasions and possible environmental challenges.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt lasted from approximately 2050 BC to 1800 BC.
• 🔱 The Middle Kingdom began after Pharaoh Mentuhotep II united Egypt following over 100 years of civil war.
• 🏰 The capital of the Middle Kingdom was established at Thebes in Upper Egypt.
• 🛡 Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom expanded Egypt's influence by military campaigns, including controlling the Sinai Peninsula and Nubia.
• 🚣‍♂️ Expeditions were sent to an area known as Punt, present-day Somalia, to further Egypt's reach.
• 🏰 Amenemhat I moved the capital from Thebes to near present-day El-Lisht.
• 🏹 Nubia was conquered for its resources, including gold, which was highly desired by the Egyptians.
• 💂‍♂️ Sesostris I established Egypt's first standing army to conquer new lands and protect the kingdom's borders.
• 🏰 The Middle Kingdom is considered the classical or golden age of ancient Egypt, with significant artistic and architectural achievements.
• 🎨 Artwork and literature during the Middle Kingdom focused more on common people's everyday activities, depicted in paintings, reliefs, and sculptures.
• 🌍 Sobekneferu became the first female pharaoh of Egypt, but her rule was short-lived as the Middle Kingdom declined after her death.

Q & A

What are the three major time periods of ancient Egyptian history?

The three major time periods of ancient Egyptian history are the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.

What years did the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt span?

The Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt spanned from approximately 2050 BC to 1800 BC.

Who is credited with unifying Egypt at the start of the Middle Kingdom?

Pharaoh Mentuhotep II is credited with unifying Egypt at the start of the Middle Kingdom.

Where did Mentuhotep II establish the new capital for the Middle Kingdom?

Mentuhotep II established the new capital for the Middle Kingdom in Upper Egypt at the city of Thebes.

What was the significance of the military campaigns led by Mentuhotep II?

Mentuhotep II led military campaigns against the Nubians of the south and took control of the Sinai Peninsula, furthering Egypt's reach.

What is known about the expeditions sent by Mentuhotep III?

Mentuhotep III sent expeditions south on the Red Sea to an area known as Punt, in present-day Somalia, furthering Egypt's influence.

What is the significance of the reign of Amenemhat I?

Amenemhat I moved the capital from Thebes to near present-day El-Lisht and established Egypt's first standing army.

Who was the most powerful pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom?

Seqenenre Tao II, also known as Sesostris III, was the most powerful pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom.

What was unique about Sobekneferu's rule in the Middle Kingdom?

Sobekneferu was the first female pharaoh in Egypt's history, marking a unique period in the Middle Kingdom.

What are some examples of the artistic expression during the Middle Kingdom?

Artistic expression during the Middle Kingdom focused more on common people, with paintings, reliefs, and sculptures depicting everyday activities such as fishing, harvesting crops, or walking by the Nile River.

How did the architecture of the Middle Kingdom differ from that of the Old Kingdom?

The architecture of the Middle Kingdom was less about grand building projects and more focused on designs that blended temples and tombs into the existing landscape.

What factors contributed to the decline of the Middle Kingdom?

The decline of the Middle Kingdom was indicated by a potential drought causing limited food supplies, and the invasion of the Hyksos from the north who brought superior military technology.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Introduction to the Middle Kingdom of Egypt

This paragraph introduces the video about the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, highlighting the importance of subscribing and checking out additional resources. It outlines the division of Egyptian history into three major periods: the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BC), the Middle Kingdom (2050-1800 BC), and the New Kingdom (1550-1100 BC), with intermediate periods of unrest and civil war. The Middle Kingdom is marked by the reunification of Egypt under Pharaoh Mentuhotep II around 2050 BC after over 100 years of turmoil.

⚔️ Reunification and Military Expansion

Mentuhotep II is credited with reuniting Egypt, establishing Thebes as the capital of the Middle Kingdom. He led military campaigns against Nubians to the south and secured control over the Sinai Peninsula. His successor, Mentuhotep III, expanded Egypt's influence further by sending expeditions to Punt (modern Somalia). The end of Mentuhotep's dynasty came with the rise of Amenemhat I, who moved the capital near present-day El-Lisht and continued Egypt's southern expansion into Nubia, a region rich in resources such as granite, iron ore, and gold.

🛡️ Rise of Egypt's First Standing Army

Amenemhat I’s successor, Senusret I, is noted for establishing Egypt’s first standing army. This marked a significant shift in Egypt's military strategy, as campaigns to expand and protect Egypt’s borders became a top priority. Senusret III, one of the most powerful pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom, personally led violent campaigns into Nubia and built a series of forts to protect Egypt's southern border, solidifying control over Nubia. These actions symbolized the Middle Kingdom's military might and territorial ambitions.

🎨 Egypt’s Golden Age of Art and Culture

The Middle Kingdom is regarded as a 'Golden Age' or 'Classical Age' of Ancient Egypt. Unlike the Old Kingdom, where art and literature were centered around pharaohs and gods, Middle Kingdom art shifted focus to the common people. Paintings, sculptures, and reliefs depicted everyday scenes, such as fishing and farming. The scale of building projects also changed, with tombs and temples blending into the natural landscape. Examples include the Temple of Mentuhotep II near Thebes and the Temple of Amun at Karnak, built by Senusret I.

👑 First Female Pharaoh and the Decline of the Middle Kingdom

Late in the Middle Kingdom, Sobekneferu rose to power as Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Her reign, though short, marked a significant moment in Egyptian history. However, the kingdom soon began to decline, possibly due to droughts that limited food supplies. Around 1600 BC, the Hyksos, invaders from the north, began infiltrating Egypt with superior military technology, including horse-drawn chariots. Although the Egyptians adopted some of the Hyksos' innovations, the invaders eventually took control, leading to the end of the Middle Kingdom and the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period.

📅 Conclusion: The Fall of the Middle Kingdom

The final part of the video summarizes the fall of the Middle Kingdom, marked by internal unrest and external invasions by the Hyksos. The Hyksos' control over northern Egypt and their advanced military technology led to Egypt's entry into the Second Intermediate Period, a time of chaos and foreign rule that lasted over 200 years. The video closes with a recap, thanking viewers for watching and encouraging further engagement with the channel’s resources.

Keywords

💡Middle Kingdom

The Middle Kingdom refers to the period of ancient Egyptian history that lasted from approximately 2050 BC to 1800 BC. It is a key concept in the video as it marks a time of reunification and centralization of power after a period of unrest. The script mentions Pharaoh Mentuhotep II as the ruler who began this era by uniting the kingdoms of Egypt under his rule.

💡Pharaoh

A Pharaoh was the ruler of ancient Egypt and held absolute power. The term is central to the video's narrative as it discusses the reigns of various Pharaohs during the Middle Kingdom. For instance, the script discusses Mentuhotep II, who unified Egypt, and his successors who expanded the kingdom and established the first standing army.

💡Thebes

Thebes, also known as Luxor today, was an important city in ancient Egypt and served as the capital during the Middle Kingdom. It is mentioned in the script as the location where Mentuhotep II established the new capital, signifying its political and cultural significance during that era.

💡Nubia

Nubia is a region located to the south of Egypt, rich in resources such as gold, which was highly sought after by the Egyptians. The script discusses how the Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom expanded their kingdom by pushing further south into Nubia, indicating the region's strategic importance for ancient Egypt.

💡Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is the land bridge between Egypt and Asia. The script mentions that Mentuhotep II took control of the Sinai Peninsula, which expanded Egypt's reach and influence, highlighting the military and strategic aspects of the Middle Kingdom.

💡Punt

Punt was a region located in present-day Somalia, known for its trade and resources. The script refers to expeditions sent by Mentuhotep III to Punt, which furthered Egypt's influence in the region, illustrating the kingdom's trade and exploration activities.

💡Standing Army

A standing army refers to a permanent, professional military force. The script explains that Seqenenre Tao I established Egypt's first standing army, which was used for military campaigns to conquer new lands and protect the kingdom's borders, reflecting a shift in military strategy during the Middle Kingdom.

💡Cesostris

Cesostris, also known as Senusret, was a Pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom who is mentioned in the script for constructing a series of forts to protect Egypt's southern border. His reign is significant as it represents a period of military expansion and border protection.

💡Golden Age

The term 'Golden Age' is used in the script to describe the Middle Kingdom as a period of great artistic and cultural achievements. It contrasts with the Old Kingdom, which was known for its monumental pyramids, indicating a shift in focus towards art and literature that depicted everyday life.

💡Sobekneferu

Sobekneferu was the first female Pharaoh in Egypt's history, as mentioned in the script. Her rule, although short, marks a unique point in the history of the Middle Kingdom, showing that women could also hold power and influence in ancient Egypt.

💡Hixos

The Hixos were outside invaders from north of Egypt who began to push into the northern edges of the kingdom around 1600 BC, as described in the script. They brought superior military technology, such as horse-drawn chariots, which the Egyptians adopted. The Hixos' invasion is significant as it led to the decline of the Middle Kingdom and the beginning of the second intermediate period.

Highlights

The ancient Egyptians were one of the most powerful and influential civilizations of the ancient world.

Historians divide Egyptian history into three major periods: the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom.

The Middle Kingdom began around 2050 BC, when Pharaoh Mentuhotep II unified Egypt after over 100 years of civil war and unrest.

Mentuhotep II established the capital of the Middle Kingdom in Thebes, located in Upper Egypt.

Mentuhotep II led military campaigns against Nubia to the south and gained control over the Sinai Peninsula.

Mentuhotep III, his successor, sent expeditions to Punt (modern-day Somalia), expanding Egypt's influence in the region.

Aminemhet I, who moved the capital near present-day Lisht, began a new dynasty and continued expanding Egypt into Nubia.

Sesostris I established Egypt’s first standing army, prioritizing military campaigns and border protection.

Sesostris III was one of the most powerful pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom, leading several military campaigns into Nubia.

The Middle Kingdom is considered the 'Golden Age' of Egypt, with a focus on arts, literature, and representations of common people.

Major building projects like the Temple of Mentuhotep II and the Temple of Amun at Karnak were initiated during this period.

Sobekneferu became the first female pharaoh of Egypt, ruling near the end of the Middle Kingdom.

A drought and food shortages likely contributed to the decline of the Middle Kingdom.

The Hyksos, invaders from the north, brought advanced military technology like horse-drawn chariots, which they used to gain control over northern Egypt.

The Middle Kingdom ended around 1800 BC with the Hyksos firmly in control, leading to the Second Intermediate Period.

Transcripts

today we're looking at the  Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt

hello welcome to the Daily bellringer world  history please don't forget to subscribe and take  

a look at the questions down in the description  also don't forget to check out dailymailringer.com  

where you'll find more resources that go with many  of the bell ringer videos the ancient Egyptians  

were one of the most powerful and influential  civilizations of the ancient world historians  

basically divide the history of the Egyptians into  three major time periods the Old Kingdom lasting  

from around 2700 BC to 2200 BC the Middle Kingdom  from approximately 2050 BC to 1800 BC and the New  

Kingdom from about 1550 BC to 1100 BC in between  these periods were the first intermediate from  

2200 BC to 2050 BC and the second intermediate  from 1800 BC to 1550 BC the intermediate periods  

were periods in which there was Civil War and  unrest throughout Egypt at the end of the Old  

Kingdom Period the central power of the Egyptian  pharaohs faded it and the civilization broke into  

several smaller kingdoms the Middle Kingdom is  considered to begin somewhere around 2050 BC  

when Pharaoh Man tootep II United the kingdoms  of Egypt under his rule unifying Egypt after  

over 100 Years of Civil War and unrest Mantua temp  would established the new capital for the Middle  

Kingdom in Upper Egypt at the city of Thebes  matutep II LED military campaigns against the  

Nubians of the south of Egypt and additionally  took control of the Sinai Peninsula furthering  

Egypt's reach mintua Tep's successor meant to  attep III sent expeditions south on the Red Sea  

to an area known as punt in present-day Somalia  again furthering the influence of Egypt over the  

region eventually mentuateep's line of pharaohs  came to an end with the Ascension of a minimet  

the first to become Pharaoh a minimat moved the  capital from Thebes to near present-day El East  

pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom continued to  expand the bound of the Kingdom by pushing  

further south into Nubia and conquering the People  by force Nubia had a variety of resources such as  

Granite iron ore and especially gold which  the Egyptians wanted a minimet's successor  

cesostris the first established Egypt's first  standing army as military campaigns to conquer  

new lands and protecting the borders  of the Kingdom became a high priority  

Pharos asosterous III who would become the most  powerful pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom personally  

LED armies into Nubia launching several violent  campaigns into the region cesostris would have  

a series of forts constructed that protected the  southern border of Egypt and marked the edge of  

the Kingdom from Nubia unlike the Old Kingdom  which had been considered the age of pyramids  

the Middle Kingdom is considered the classical  or golden age of ancient Egypt as it is during  

this time that there were great works of art and  writings were done during the Old Kingdom artwork  

and literature had basically been confined to  inscriptions and statues created in honor of  

pharaohs and gods during the Middle Kingdom much  of the artistic expression began to be focused  

more on Common People of Egypt paintings reliefs  and sculptures of Egyptian people doing everyday  

things such as fishing harvesting crops or walking  next to the Nile River became common there were  

significant building projects completed as well  the tomb and temples of the Pharaohs became less  

about Grand building projects in size as they did  during the Old Kingdom but now we're more focused  

on designs that Blended their temples and tombs  into the existing landscape one example would be  

the Temple of mentuateep the second near Thebes  or saucerus the first construction of the Temple  

of Amman at Karnak which much of it still stands  today late in the Middle Kingdom Sobek nephru Rose  

to power and would be the first female pharaoh  in Egypt's history although her rule would be  

relatively short as after her death the Middle  Kingdom began to decline indications are that  

a drought might have taken place that caused  Food Supplies to become limited additionally  

somewhere around 1600 BC outside Invaders from  north of Egypt known as the hixos began to push  

into the northern edges of the Kingdom the hixos  brought with them Superior military technology  

with horse-drawn chariots the Egyptians actually  adopted much of the hexos technology as at the  

same time the hixos also adopted many aspects  of Egyptian culture nonetheless by 1800 BC the  

hixos were firmly in control and the Middle  Kingdom of ancient Egypt came to an end and  

Egypt entered into the second intermediate which  would be a period of unrest for over 200 years  

so with that hopefully you learned  something and thanks for watching

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