The Middle Kingdom was a golden

age of peace, prosperity and advances

in the arts and architecture

During the New Kingdom, Egypt acquired

new territory and reached the height of its power

Akhenaton tried to change Egypt's religion, while

Tutankhamen is famous for the treasures found

in his tomb

Under Ramses II, Egypt regained territory and

built great temples, but the empire fell by 1150 BC

200 years of confusion followed

new dynasty of pharaohs rose to power

moved capital south from Memphis to Thebes

restored order and stability

2050 to 1670 BC

drove for more land - captured Nubia (south)

and Syria

tribute- forced payments from the conquered people

Increased land and waterways

arts blossomed

Nobles plotting to take power from

pharaohs

Hyksos from western Asia attacked Egypt

mighty warriors

no match- ruled for 120 years

1550 BC- Ahmose- Egyptian prince

led uprising drove out Hyksos

1550 BC- 1080 BC- reached glory

1473- queen Hatshepsut- power

ruled with husband then on behalf

of nephew- regent

named herself pharaoh

trade- with those in Mediterranean

especially Phoenicians

used wealth - monuments

died- nephew Thutmose III- pharaoh

empire- rich from trade and tribute

help of wife- Nefertiti - wanted

to lead Egypt in new direction

introduced new religion- one god

Aton

changed his name Akhenaton

"Spirit of Aton"

felt attacked

refused to accept one god

neglected duties as pharaoh

lost most of land in empire

son-in-law inherited the throne

new pharaoh- Tutankhamen

10 years old

restored old religion

died at 19, no one sure how died

"King Tut"

tomb found in 1922 by Howard Carter

most effective was Ramses II

reigned from 1279 BC to 1213 BC

Egyptian armies regained lands in western Asia and rebuilt empire

constructed several major new temples

Karnak at Thebes

houses for gods/goddesses

banks

strong iron weapons from invaders

Egypt lacked iron ore

1150 BC only controlled the Delta

900s BC - rule of many outside groups

670 BC taken over by Assyrians