Senusret III: Greatest Egyptian Monarch of the Middle Kingdom

Q: Who was Senusret III of Egypt?

Senusret III of Egypt was the greatest monarch of the Middle Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.

Q: Why was Senusret III of Egypt considered so great?

Senusret III of Egypt was considered so great because he epitomized the cultural value of balance and harmony which was central to Egyptian religion and culture. He was a great warrior but also a great patron of the arts.

Q: Is Senusret III the same person as the legendary Sesostris?

According to some ancient writers, including Herodotus, Senusret III was the same person as the legendary Sesostris who conquered Europe.

Q: Was Senusret III deified?

Yes. Egyptian king Senusret III was deified in his lifetime and received the same offerings as any other deity of ancient Egypt during his life and after death.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

Senusret III (circa 1878-1839 BCE, also known as Senwosret III, Sesostris III) was the 5th king of the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2040-1782 BCE). His reign is often considered the height of the Middle Kingdom which was the Golden Age in Egypt's history in so far as art, literature, architecture, science, and other cultural aspects reached an unprecedented level of refinement, the economy flourished, and military and trade expeditions filled the nation's treasury.

More about: Senusret III

Timeline

1878 BCE - 1839 BCE
Reign of Senusret III of Egypt.
c. 1872 BCE
First military campaign of Senusret III of Egypt against Nubia.
c. 1870 BCE
Second military campaign of Senusret III of Egypt against Nubia.
c. 1868 BCE
Third military campaign of Senusret III of Egypt against Nubia.
c. 1862 BCE
Fourth military campaign of Senusret III of Egypt against Nubia.
c. 1860 BCE
Final military campaign of Senusret III of Egypt against Nubia; campaign aborted before engagement.
c. 1839 BCE
Death of Senusret III.
c. 1839 BCE - 1815 BCE
Reign of Amenemhat III, son and successor to Senusret III.