Lecture 8 : Egypt from the First to Second Intermediate Periods (ca. 2200–1550 B.C.)

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering political structures, literary sources, military forts, and archaeological finds from Egypt's First and Second Intermediate Periods and Middle Kingdom.

What primary factors contributed to the collapse of the Old Kingdom (Dynasties 3–6), leading into the First Intermediate Period?

The drag of pyramid economies, loss of legitimacy by Old Kingdom rulers, the increasing hereditary power of nomarchs, and changing climatic conditions such as lower Nile levels.

According to the historian Africanus, which Memphite dynasty was famously described as having "70 kings in 70 days"?

Dynasty 7.

Which ruling house governed from Herakleopolis during the First Intermediate Period?

Dynasties 9–10 (the Akhtoy Dynasty).

Which First Intermediate Period nomarch is depicted in this relief, famous for boasting of saving his provinces from severe famine without mentioning any reigning king?

Ankhtifi, the nomarch of Hierakonpolis.

What provinces did Ankhtifi specifically claim to have brought life to during the widespread famine of the First Intermediate Period?

Hierakonpolis, Edfu, Elephantine, and Ombos.

Which two Middle Kingdom literary compositions reflect back on the breakdown of order and social crisis of the First Intermediate Period?

The Admonitions of Ipuwer and the Prophecies of Neferti.

What capital was established near Lisht by the Middle Kingdom kings, and what does its name translate to?

Itchtawy, meaning "Seizer of the Two Lands."

In which nomarch's tomb, dating to year 6 of Sesostris II (1868 BC), is this procession of arriving 'amu (Asiatics/Amorites) depicted?

The tomb of nomarch Khnumhotep II at Beni Hasan in Middle Egypt.

What settlement in the Eastern Delta served as an early Middle Kingdom harbor and fortress before growing into an Asiatic center?

Avaris (modern Tell ed-Dab'a).

What type of artifact is shown here, bearing hieratic inscriptions used to ritually curse enemies of Egypt?

An Execration Text figurine (from the Brussels Museum).

What prominent Canaanite cities are identified in the Middle Kingdom Execration Texts?

Jerusalem (Egyptian 'wš'mm), Ashkelon (listing 3 rulers), Akko, Lachish, and Beth-Shemesh.

What Aegean-style wall decoration was uncovered at Tell ed-Dab'a (Avaris), shown in this reconstruction?

"Theran" Minoan Fresco fragments depicting a Bull & Maze Frieze.

Which major Middle Kingdom fortress on the Nile in Lower Nubia featured massive outer defensive walls, citadels, and covered water passages?

Buhen.

Which two Second Cataract forts operated opposite each other across the Nile to regulate trade, monitor diplomatic envoys, and record Nile flood levels?

Semna and Kumma.

During what period did Middle Egyptian represent the fully developed "classical stage" of the Egyptian language?

Circa 2000 BC to 1300 BC.

Which papyrus preserves the surviving text of the Admonitions of Ipuwer, shown here?

Papyrus Leiden I 344 recto.

In the Prophecies of Neferti, who is the promised king from the South predicted to restore order and subdue Asiatics and Libyans?

Ameny (Amenemhat I, founder of Dynasty 12).

What defensive installation does the text of the Prophecies of Neferti state would be built to bar Asiatics from entering Egypt?

The Walls-of-the-Ruler.

What is the Egyptian origin and meaning of the Greek term "Hyksos"?

Hk3 h3wst, meaning "foreign rulers."

Which dynasties ruled simultaneously in Upper and Lower Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period?

Upper Egypt was ruled by Dynasty XIII (1768–1646 BC) and Dynasty XVII (1644–1555 BC); Lower Egypt was ruled by Dynasty XIV (1708–1646 BC), Dynasty XV (Hyksos, 1646–1539 BC), and Dynasty XVI.

What physical evidence on the mummy of Dynasty 17 ruler Seqenenre Tao II revealed his violent death to Gaston Maspero in 1886?

A severe axe blow severing his left cheek and fracturing his jaw, traumatic head wounds injuring the skull, and a dagger or javelin cut on the right forehead above the eye, followed by hasty embalming after decomposition began.

Which Dynasty 18 biographical text details the military operations to expel the Hyksos and restore centralized rule?

The Autobiography of Ahmose son of Abana.