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Egypt The Double Crown and the Three KingdomsEssential Themes
1. Geography: Why do people move and live where they do? 3. Government: How do humans organize their societies, and why do they organize them the way they do? 5. Conflict & Cooperation: How has warfare shaped human history? Around 5000 BCE, people began to settle down along the Nile River. They were delighted to find that their new home was a wonderful place in which to live. The Nile provided food and water and there were natural barriers of deserts, mountains, and seas that protected them. The people who settled along the Nile 7000 years ago did not go exploring, looking for other people to meet or other places to live. After settling along the Nile, they had everything they needed and stayed near home. |
A Quick History of Ancient Egypt
The roots of Egyptian civilization go back to the beginning of settled life along the banks of the Nile River. Egypt has an unusual geographical and cultural unity that has given the Egyptian people a strong sense of identity and a pride in their heritage as descendants of one of humankind's earliest civilizations. While those who settled in Mesopotamia near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers developed magnificent city-states, each city state was ruled by a separate king. As a result, the city-states of Mesopotamia were almost constantly at war with one another. By contrast, early in their development the Egyptians united under the rule of one king, or Pharaoh.
The roots of Egyptian civilization go back to the beginning of settled life along the banks of the Nile River. Egypt has an unusual geographical and cultural unity that has given the Egyptian people a strong sense of identity and a pride in their heritage as descendants of one of humankind's earliest civilizations. While those who settled in Mesopotamia near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers developed magnificent city-states, each city state was ruled by a separate king. As a result, the city-states of Mesopotamia were almost constantly at war with one another. By contrast, early in their development the Egyptians united under the rule of one king, or Pharaoh.
The ancient Egyptians were talented, clever people. They grew barley, stored it in silos, and baked bread from the grain. They wove baskets from the papyrus plant, the reeds that grew wildly along the riverbank. They knew how to sew and cook and bake. They were accomplished sailors and shipbuilders. They built boats so they could fish and reach distant markets for trade. They grazed cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. They kept geese and ducks for their eggs and meat. They made combs, beads, bracelets, spears and arrows, and earthenware pots and vases. They painted their eyes with a paste they made from green malachite, which is a semi-precious stone. By 4000 BCE, they had learned how to use copper to make gorgeous jewelry and sharp weapons.
They were also the first people of antiquity to believe in life after death. They were the first to build in stone and to fashion the arch in stone and brick. Even before the unification of Egypt, the Egyptians had developed a plow and a system of writing. They learned to chart the heavens in order to predict the timing of the floods that came to the Nile River each year. Their physicians prescribed healing remedies and performed surgical operations. They sculpted in stone and decorated the walls of their tombs with naturalistic murals in vibrant colors. The legacy of ancient Egypt is written in stone across the face of the country from the pyramids of Upper Egypt to the rock tombs in the Valley of the Kings to the Old Kingdom temples of Luxor and Karnak to the Ptolemaic temples of Edfu and Dendera and to the Roman temple built to honor Isis on Philae Island.
When did Egypt begin as a country?
They were also the first people of antiquity to believe in life after death. They were the first to build in stone and to fashion the arch in stone and brick. Even before the unification of Egypt, the Egyptians had developed a plow and a system of writing. They learned to chart the heavens in order to predict the timing of the floods that came to the Nile River each year. Their physicians prescribed healing remedies and performed surgical operations. They sculpted in stone and decorated the walls of their tombs with naturalistic murals in vibrant colors. The legacy of ancient Egypt is written in stone across the face of the country from the pyramids of Upper Egypt to the rock tombs in the Valley of the Kings to the Old Kingdom temples of Luxor and Karnak to the Ptolemaic temples of Edfu and Dendera and to the Roman temple built to honor Isis on Philae Island.
When did Egypt begin as a country?
UPPER & LOWER EGYPT: Just as in other parts of the ancient world, early Egyptian settlements grew gradually. As they did so, more and more complex societies slowly emerged. Egypt's early settlers called their land Kemet. Named after the rich, black soil found in the Nile's flood plain, Kemet means "black Land." They referred to the desert that commanded the landscape outside the flood plain as "red land."
For centuries, different regions up and down the Nile were governed by tribal chiefs or local kings. As time passed smaller kingdoms joined forces to become larger and larger kingdoms. By about 6000 years ago, the people who lived along the Nile River had banded together into just two main groups. One group lived in Lower Egypt, in the delta region of the Nile, where the Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea. These people were mild and easygoing. Their sign was a red crown. The people of Upper Egypt, further south along the Nile, on higher ground, were more rugged and stern. Their sign was a white crown.
For centuries, different regions up and down the Nile were governed by tribal chiefs or local kings. As time passed smaller kingdoms joined forces to become larger and larger kingdoms. By about 6000 years ago, the people who lived along the Nile River had banded together into just two main groups. One group lived in Lower Egypt, in the delta region of the Nile, where the Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea. These people were mild and easygoing. Their sign was a red crown. The people of Upper Egypt, further south along the Nile, on higher ground, were more rugged and stern. Their sign was a white crown.
THE DOUBLE CROWN: Around 3100 BCE (over 5000 years ago), the powerful king of Upper Egypt marched his troops north to conquer Lower Egypt. That king's name was Narmer. Sometimes you will hear King Narmer referred to as King Menes. "Menes" means "founder." King Narmer united the two kingdoms and built a unified Egypt. Because of that, both King Narmer and King Menes are correct.
By conquering Lower Egypt and uniting the two kingdoms, King Narmer became the first pharaoh, which is what the ancient Egyptians called their kings. King Narmer built a new capital on the dividing line between Lower and Upper Egypt. He called his capital city Memphis. In addition to being a powerful commander, King Narmer was also a very smart king. He knew that the peoples of Upper and Lower Egypt needed to learn to think of themselves as one country. To help them, he created a new sign, a sign that represented both countries. Combining the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt, King Narmer created the double crown. Even though they were now one country, Lower and Upper Egypt were always referred to as the Two Lands of Egypt.
What are the three main divisions on the Egyptian timeline?
By conquering Lower Egypt and uniting the two kingdoms, King Narmer became the first pharaoh, which is what the ancient Egyptians called their kings. King Narmer built a new capital on the dividing line between Lower and Upper Egypt. He called his capital city Memphis. In addition to being a powerful commander, King Narmer was also a very smart king. He knew that the peoples of Upper and Lower Egypt needed to learn to think of themselves as one country. To help them, he created a new sign, a sign that represented both countries. Combining the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt, King Narmer created the double crown. Even though they were now one country, Lower and Upper Egypt were always referred to as the Two Lands of Egypt.
What are the three main divisions on the Egyptian timeline?
ACHIEVEMENTS: The people of the double crown, the ancient Egyptians, were just as smart as their ancestors. They invented a sort of paper made from the papyrus plant, the reed that grew along the riverbank, the same reed they used to weave baskets. They created a system of writing called hieroglyphics. They formed a government ruled by powerful kings called pharaohs. They built huge temples and wonderful towns and homes. They set up trade routes with the countries around them. They worshiped over 2000 gods and goddesses. They were calm and wise, and cheerful and busy, with a great sense of fun. They loved children. They loved to play. And they loved their good life on the riverbanks of the Nile.
THE THREE KINGDOMS: The ancient Egyptian timeline is divided into three big blocks of time: The Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Each Kingdom lasted hundreds of years.
The Old Kingdom: The Old Kingdom began around 2700 BCE and lasted until about 2200 BCE. Though Upper and Lower Egypt were ruled by the same leader during this time, the Old Kingdom is notable for the way that the Upper and Lower Kingdoms maintained their distinct identities.
During the Old Kingdom, pharaohs grew in power and influence. Their people began to consider them not just kings, but also gods. Thus, these rulers had absolute power and authority over all aspects of the lives of the people they ruled. A government where the political power and religious power are held by the same person is known as a theocracy.
Not coincidentally, during this time great monuments rose as compliment's to the pharaoh's increased power. It is during the Old Kingdom that the first pyramids were built at Saqqara. Construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza followed not long after. As a result, this period is sometimes referred to as the Pyramid Age.
As the Egyptian society grew in size and complexity, it became impossible for a king to rule the nation by himself. He needed to enlist the assistance of other subordinate leaders. These government officials aided the King in doing everything from punishing criminals to building canals to, oh yes, managing the construction of pyramids.
The Old Kingdom: The Old Kingdom began around 2700 BCE and lasted until about 2200 BCE. Though Upper and Lower Egypt were ruled by the same leader during this time, the Old Kingdom is notable for the way that the Upper and Lower Kingdoms maintained their distinct identities.
During the Old Kingdom, pharaohs grew in power and influence. Their people began to consider them not just kings, but also gods. Thus, these rulers had absolute power and authority over all aspects of the lives of the people they ruled. A government where the political power and religious power are held by the same person is known as a theocracy.
Not coincidentally, during this time great monuments rose as compliment's to the pharaoh's increased power. It is during the Old Kingdom that the first pyramids were built at Saqqara. Construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza followed not long after. As a result, this period is sometimes referred to as the Pyramid Age.
As the Egyptian society grew in size and complexity, it became impossible for a king to rule the nation by himself. He needed to enlist the assistance of other subordinate leaders. These government officials aided the King in doing everything from punishing criminals to building canals to, oh yes, managing the construction of pyramids.
During the Pyramid Age, the shape of pyramids evolved over time.
Upon taking power, Mentuhotep II moved Egypt's capital to Thebes.
The Middle Kingdom: Egypt enjoyed over 400 years of relative peace and prosperity during Old Kingdom rule. Around 2200 BCE, however, Egypt was weakened by a series of civil wars that saw local leaders rise up in rebellion against the pharaohs. The rebellions resulted in political chaos. For the following 150 years Egypt was fractured and ruled by local kings.
Egypt's Middle Kingdom began around 2000 BCE when a powerful leader named Mentuhotep II became king of southern Egypt. After becoming King, Mentuhotep launched an attack on the north and eventually reunited Egypt under one rule. Mentuhotep moved the capital from Memphis to Thebes. From that point forward Thebes remained an important center for religious and governmental activity. Because of its numerous temples, Thebes remains an important site for Egyptologists today.
Some historians refer to the Middle Kingdom as a "Golden Age" for Egypt. A Golden Age is a time period marked by economic and artistic advances, a time when a culture is at its peak and flourishes. By this time, trade had introduced the Egyptians to people in bordering countries. Some of those countries wanted to rule Egypt. To defend themselves, the ancient Egyptians built strong armies and fortresses. Due to their dual role as both governors and protectors, the Middle Kingdom came to be known as the age of wise and gifted rulers, a time of "good kings."
Egypt's Middle Kingdom began around 2000 BCE when a powerful leader named Mentuhotep II became king of southern Egypt. After becoming King, Mentuhotep launched an attack on the north and eventually reunited Egypt under one rule. Mentuhotep moved the capital from Memphis to Thebes. From that point forward Thebes remained an important center for religious and governmental activity. Because of its numerous temples, Thebes remains an important site for Egyptologists today.
Some historians refer to the Middle Kingdom as a "Golden Age" for Egypt. A Golden Age is a time period marked by economic and artistic advances, a time when a culture is at its peak and flourishes. By this time, trade had introduced the Egyptians to people in bordering countries. Some of those countries wanted to rule Egypt. To defend themselves, the ancient Egyptians built strong armies and fortresses. Due to their dual role as both governors and protectors, the Middle Kingdom came to be known as the age of wise and gifted rulers, a time of "good kings."
Above, an example of a block statue.
The arts of ancient Egypt continued to develop during this time. A type of sculpture called the "block statue" became popular. It continued to be a mainstay of Egyptian art for 2,000 years. The block statue was sculpted from a single piece of rock. It showed a man squatting with his arms folded on top of his knees. Writing and literature developed as well. For the first time in ancient Egyptian history, writing was used for entertainment. Writing during the Middle Kingdom included stories as well as religious philosophy.
By 1640 BCE, control of Egypt had once again weakened. After battling the threat of foreign invaders for centuries, a group of settlers of foreign origin named the Hyksos finally succeeded in toppling the Middle Kingdom. At the time of the Middle Kingdom's collapse, Egypt once again fell into disarray and retreated to a time of political instability. That period, called the Second Intermediate Period by scholars, lasted for over one hundred years before giving rise to the New Kingdom. The New Kingdom is a time marked by the rule of strong pharaohs and empire building.
By 1640 BCE, control of Egypt had once again weakened. After battling the threat of foreign invaders for centuries, a group of settlers of foreign origin named the Hyksos finally succeeded in toppling the Middle Kingdom. At the time of the Middle Kingdom's collapse, Egypt once again fell into disarray and retreated to a time of political instability. That period, called the Second Intermediate Period by scholars, lasted for over one hundred years before giving rise to the New Kingdom. The New Kingdom is a time marked by the rule of strong pharaohs and empire building.
A legacy of Hyksos rule was the way Egyptian leaders went to war.
The New Kingdom: Sweeping in from the desert east of the Nile River, the Hyksos used superior weapons and new technology to conquer the last of the Middle Kingdom rulers. Changes introduced by the Hyksos included new techniques of bronze working and pottery, new breeds of animals, and new crops. In warfare, they introduced the horse and chariot, the composite bow, improved battle-axes, and fortification techniques. While it might be argued that the cultural and technical advances brought by the Hyksos ultimately benefited later Egyptian pharaohs, the proud Egyptians despised their new rulers. When the Egyptians finally overthrew the Hyksos in 1550 BCE the time period known as the New Kingdom began.
The New Kingdom is known for its powerful pharaohs, including Egypt's first female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut. During this period, Egyptian rulers used the military lessons learned from the Hyksos to wage battles against foreign peoples, conquering them and expanding Egypts borders. It was during the New Kingdom that pharaohs launched wide ranging expeditions taking over lands of Kush and Nubia to the south and Israel, Lebanon, and Syria to the east.
While this period of Egypt's history is one of conquest, I also like to remember it as the time when the world's first peace treaty was signed. After fighting to a draw in the battle of Kadesh, Ramesses II signed a formal agreement to end Egypt's war against the Hittites. Owing as much to clever public relations as to his leadership, Ramesses publicized this achievement by having the treaty carved on the walls of his mortuary temple.
The New Kingdom is known for its powerful pharaohs, including Egypt's first female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut. During this period, Egyptian rulers used the military lessons learned from the Hyksos to wage battles against foreign peoples, conquering them and expanding Egypts borders. It was during the New Kingdom that pharaohs launched wide ranging expeditions taking over lands of Kush and Nubia to the south and Israel, Lebanon, and Syria to the east.
While this period of Egypt's history is one of conquest, I also like to remember it as the time when the world's first peace treaty was signed. After fighting to a draw in the battle of Kadesh, Ramesses II signed a formal agreement to end Egypt's war against the Hittites. Owing as much to clever public relations as to his leadership, Ramesses publicized this achievement by having the treaty carved on the walls of his mortuary temple.
Ramesses II built Abu Simbel as a statement of his power and as a warning to anyone entering Egypt from the south.
New Kingdom Temples: While New Kingdom rulers expanded Egypt's territory, they also expanded trade with many external nations and kings. They used gold mines in Nubia to gain great wealth and to import luxury goods from around the world. During this time of expanding borders and trade and increased wealth, pharaohs were considered all-powerful. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom used their new wealth to build massive temples to the gods.
The city of Thebes continued to be the cultural center of the empire. The Temple of Luxor was built at Thebes and grand additions were made to the Temple of Karnak. Pharaohs also built monumental Mortuary Temples to honor themselves as gods. These included Abu Simbel, built by the powerful Ramesses II, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Valley of the Kings: One of the most famous archaeological sites from the New Kingdom is the Valley of the Kings. Starting with the Pharaoh Thutmose I, the New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings for 500 years. The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings is the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun which was discovered largely intact. It was filled with treasure, art, and King Tut's mummy.
Who was the Egyptian empire's last ruler?
The city of Thebes continued to be the cultural center of the empire. The Temple of Luxor was built at Thebes and grand additions were made to the Temple of Karnak. Pharaohs also built monumental Mortuary Temples to honor themselves as gods. These included Abu Simbel, built by the powerful Ramesses II, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Valley of the Kings: One of the most famous archaeological sites from the New Kingdom is the Valley of the Kings. Starting with the Pharaoh Thutmose I, the New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings for 500 years. The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings is the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun which was discovered largely intact. It was filled with treasure, art, and King Tut's mummy.
Who was the Egyptian empire's last ruler?
Fall of the New Kingdom: The New Kingdom lasted for around 500 years. It ran from about 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE. It was during the reign of Ramesses III that the powerful Egyptian Empire began to weaken. Ramesses III had to fight many battles including an invasion by the Sea Peoples and tribesmen from Libya. These wars, combined with severe drought and famine, caused unrest throughout Egypt. In the years after Ramesses III died, internal corruption and infighting in the central government became worse. The last pharaoh of the New Kingdom was Ramesses XI. After his reign, Egypt was no longer united and the Third Intermediate Period began.
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Over the course of several centuries, Egypt continued to decline. Around 500 BCE, the Persians moved in. Around 300 BCE, the Greeks and the Romans moved in. The ancient Egyptian civilization ended with the death of the last pharaoh queen, Queen Cleopatra in 27 BCE. At that time, Egypt became part of the Roman Empire.
BRAINBOX: How did pharaohs rule differently in each of the three time periods? |
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