essay

Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)

• Founded by mentuhotep II of 11th dynasty 

• senusret III Expansion into Nubia

• Fortresses along nile

• Egyptian administration in Nubia

• Late middle kingdom Hyksos invasion results in start of second intermediate period

New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE)

• Founded by Ahmose I 18th dynasty

• Ahmose drove Hyksos out of avaris, Egypt into canaan

• Regained control of lower nubia

• Thutmose I defeated nubians in kerma

• Thutmose III focued on expansion into nubia and would fully integrate it into Egyptian state

• Appointed Egyptian viceroys  “kings sons of kush”  

• Hatshepsut focused on trade with punt and building

During the Middle and New Kingdoms, Egypt viewed its neighboring lands both as threats and as opportunities for control and resource extraction, depending on the circumstances.

Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)

During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt pursued expansion mainly to secure its borders and access valuable resources. The eastern desert and Nubia were particularly important due to their gold mines and trade routes. Pharaohs like Senusret III campaigned aggressively in Nubia, building fortresses to control the region and extract resources. Meanwhile, relations with the Levant were more trade-oriented, but Egypt maintained a military presence to prevent incursions from Asiatic groups. However, the period ended with the Hyksos invasion, reinforcing the idea that foreign regions could be a threat.

New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE)

With the expulsion of the Hyksos by Ahmose I  the New Kingdom adopted a more aggressive expansionist policy. Pharaohs like Thutmose III  waged military campaigns in Canaan and Syria, seeing these regions as buffer zones against potential invaders (such as the Mitanni, Hittites, and later the Sea Peoples). At the same time, these lands provided valuable trade routes, tribute, and resources. Nubia was fully incorporated into Egypt, serving as a key supplier of gold, soldiers, and luxury goods.

Conclusion

Egypt’s perspective on its neighbors was fluid. When threats emerged, military campaigns were launched to secure borders and neutralize dangers. However, once control was established, these regions became economic assets, providing wealth and manpower to sustain Egypt’s power. The Middle Kingdom saw more defensive strategies and controlled trade, whereas the New Kingdom embraced aggressive expansionism, creating an empire that extracted resources and demanded tribute from vassal states.

The Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE)

The Middle Kingdom began after the reunification of Egypt under Mentuhotep II of the 11th Dynasty, following the collapse of the Old Kingdom and the chaotic First Intermediate Period. It was a time of political stability, cultural flourishing, and military expansion, but it ended with increasing internal weakness and foreign incursions.

Key Features of the Middle Kingdom:

• Political Stability & Centralization: Pharaohs, especially from the 12th Dynasty (such as Amenemhat I and Senusret III), centralized power and strengthened the government, limiting the influence of regional governors (nomarchs).

• Expansion into Nubia: Egypt extended control into Nubia to secure valuable gold mines and trade routes. Fortresses like Buhen were built along the Nile to protect Egyptian interests.

• Relations with the Levant: Trade increased with Canaan, but Egypt also maintained a military presence to secure its borders.

• Cultural Achievements: Literature flourished, producing works like The Tale of Sinuhe, and monumental architecture advanced, with pyramid construction continuing but on a smaller scale.

• Economic & Agricultural Development: Large-scale irrigation projects improved farming, and Fayum Basin developments increased agricultural output.

• Decline & Foreign Influence: By the late Middle Kingdom, the central government weakened, leading to a decline in stability. The Hyksos, a foreign group from Western Asia, gained power in the eastern Delta, contributing to the collapse of the Middle Kingdom and the start of the Second Intermediate Period.

The New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE)

The New Kingdom was Egypt’s most powerful and expansive period, marked by military conquests, wealth, and monumental construction. It began when Ahmose I expelled the Hyksos and established the 18th Dynasty, launching an era of imperial expansion.

Key Features of the New Kingdom:

• Military Expansion & Empire Building:

• Pharaohs like Thutmose III expanded Egypt’s territory into Nubia and the Levant, making Egypt a dominant power in the region.

• Wealth & Monumental Architecture:

• Massive construction projects, such as the temples of Karnak and Luxor, were built to glorify the gods and pharaohs.

• The Valley of the Kings became the royal burial site, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.

• Pharaohs like Hatshepsut focused on trade, reestablishing connections with Puntfor exotic goods.

Summary:

• The Middle Kingdom focused on internal stability, economic development, and military expansion mainly into Nubia.

• The New Kingdom was Egypt’s golden age, characterized by aggressive imperial expansion, wealth, and grand construction projects, but it ended in decline due to invasions and internal strife.