---
title: Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19956/map-of-the-middle-kingdom-of-egypt-c-2000-bce/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-09-12
---
# Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE
_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19956.png)
## Image Caption
This map illustrates the [Middle Kingdom of Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/First_Intermediate_Period/). Spanning roughly four centuries, it saw the consolidation of royal authority, major achievements in art and [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/), and the strengthening of [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/)’s economic and political foundations.
The [Middle Kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/Senusret_III/) (reign 1878–1839 BCE), pursued campaigns into Nubia, fortified Egypt’s southern frontier, and extended influence into the [Levant](https://www.worldhistory.org/levant/). This era fostered the development of classical Middle [Egyptian literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Literature/), advances in monumental [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Second_Intermediate_Period/) (c. 1650–1550 BCE).
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Netchev, S. (2025, February 10). Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 10, 2025. .
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, c. 2000 BCE." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Feb 2025, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 10 February 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.