The Middle Kingdom (1938–c. 1630 bce) and the Second Intermediate period (c. 1630–1540 bce)

Question 1

The Middle Kingdom

Answer 1

• Mentuhotep II campaigned in Lower Nubia, where he may have been preceded by the Inyotefs
• Mentuhotep II’s successors, Mentuhotep III (1957–45 bce) and Mentuhotep IV (1945–38 bce), also ruled from Thebes

Question 2

The 12th dynasty (1938–c. 1756 bce)

Answer 2

• Amenemhet I moved the capital back to the Memphite area, founding a residence named Itjet-towy
• From the reign of Amenemhet major tombs of the first half of the dynasty, which display considerable local independence, are preserved at several sites, notably Beni Hasan, Meir, and Qau
• In his 20th regnal year, Amenemhet I took his son Sesostris I (or Senwosret, reigned 1908–1875 bce) as his coregent, presumably in order to ensure a smooth transition to the next reign
• In the early 12th dynasty the written language was regularized in its classical form of Middle Egyptian
• The purpose of the occupation of Lower Nubia is disputed, because the size of the fortresses and the level of manpower needed to occupy them might seem disproportionate to local threats.

Question 3

The 13th dynasty (c. 1756–c. 1630 bce)

Answer 3

• Despite a continuity of outward forms and of the rhetoric of inscriptions between the 12th and 13th dynasties, there was a complete change in kingship.
• Immigration from Asia is known in the late 12th dynasty and became more widespread in the 13th.

Question 4

The Second Intermediate period

Answer 4

• The increasing competition for power in Egypt and Nubia crystallized in the formation of two new dynasties: the 15th, called the Hyksos (c. 1630–c. 1523 bce), with its capital at Avaris (Tell el-Dabʿa) in the delta, and the 17th (c. 1630–1540 bce), ruling from Thebes
• Asiatic rule brought many technical innovations to Egypt, as well as cultural innovations such as new musical instruments and foreign loan words
• Whereas the 13th dynasty was fairly prosperous, the Second Intermediate period may have been impoverished.
• Toward the end of the 17th dynasty (c. 1545 bce), the Theban king Seqenenre challenged Apopis, probably dying in battle against him