Middle Kingdom | aaarticle.com

The Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–c. 1650 BC) began with the reunification of Egypt by Mentuhotep II of Thebes and reached its classical high point under the 12th Dynasty. It was the classical age of Egyptian literature and an era of military expansion into Nubia.

Overview

The Middle Kingdom lasted from c. 2055 to c. 1650 BC, from the reunification by Mentuhotep II of the 11th Dynasty, based at Thebes, through the 12th and 13th Dynasties. The 12th Dynasty — Amenemhat I, Senusret I through III, and Amenemhat III — marked the classical high point: the capital moved to Itjtawy, and land reclamation and irrigation transformed the Faiyum.

Key developments

Egypt expanded militarily into Nubia, building massive fortresses such as Buhen and Semna to secure gold and trade. It was the classical age of Egyptian literature, producing the Story of Sinuhe and instructional wisdom texts, while the cult of Osiris and pilgrimage to Abydos grew.

End and transition

Royal power declined through the 13th Dynasty, and Canaanite settlers in the eastern Delta grew increasingly autonomous. This led to Hyksos rule and the Second Intermediate Period, beginning c. 1650 BC.