This map illustrates the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2055–1650 BCE), a period of reunification, stability, and cultural flourishing that followed the turbulence of the First Intermediate Period. Spanning roughly four centuries, it saw the consolidation of royal authority, major achievements in art and literature, and the strengthening of Egypt’s economic and political foundations.
The Middle Kingdom was established by Mentuhotep II (reign c. 2061–2010 BCE) of the 11th Dynasty, who reunified Upper and Lower Egypt and made Thebes both the political capital and a major religious center. It reached its height under the 12th Dynasty (c. 1985–1773 BCE), beginning with Amenemhat I (reign 1985–1955 BCE), who reorganized the administration, founded a new capital at Itjtawy, and expanded irrigation systems. His successors, notably Senusret III (reign 1878–1839 BCE), pursued campaigns into Nubia, fortified Egypt’s southern frontier, and extended influence into the Levant. This era fostered the development of classical Middle Egyptian literature, advances in monumental architecture, and innovations in statecraft and military organization. The Middle Kingdom’s legacy provided a model for later dynasties, even as its power waned and eventually gave way to the instability of the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650–1550 BCE).
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Cite This Work
APA Style
Netchev, S. (2025, February 10). Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19956/map-of-the-middle-kingdom-of-egypt-c-2000-bce/
Chicago Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE." World History Encyclopedia, February 10, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19956/map-of-the-middle-kingdom-of-egypt-c-2000-bce/.
MLA Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE." World History Encyclopedia, 10 Feb 2025, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19956/map-of-the-middle-kingdom-of-egypt-c-2000-bce/.
