9 What kind of state or society existed in the Middle Kingdom?. Give Examples

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Egypt was flourishing during the time of the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1786 B.C.). The Hyksos had invaded Egypt, and although they were able to bring prosperity, it caused Egypt to become divided and on the verge of extinction. The first king of the Middle Kingdom was Amenemhet I, of the 12th dynasty. He was able to keep a smooth succession of his family line, because he made each successor a co-regent, which his successors continued. Middle Kingdom Egypt reached its peak under Amenemhet III (1842 - 1796 B.C.), and began the decline under Amenemhet IV (1798-1790 B.C.).

Middle kingdom Egypt pursued an aggressive foreign policy, as they colonized Nubia and repelled Bedouins, a group of people who infiltrated Egypt during the first intermediate period. Egypt maintained diplomatic trade relations with Syria, Palestine, and other countries, yet it was not able to last for a long time. As well as trade and foreign policy, the Egyptians embarked on multiple building projects during the Middle Kingdom period, such as military fortresses, mining quarries, and pyramids.

The Egyptians believed many things about the Pharaoh. They believed that he was a living representation of ma'at, mediator between the gods and the humans, a powerful and invincible leader, and a living god. Because the Egyptians viewed their leader as a living god, the leaders had to have been decedents of gods, but they would not be decedents of just one god, they would be the decedents of multiple gods. For example, Ramesses III was thought to be the son of gods Amon, Atum, Ptah, Shu, Thoth, Osiris, Horus, and others.

Kamos and Ahmose I were the sons of Sekenenretao and Queen Ahhotep. Sekenenretao had been at war with the Hyksos when he died suddenly, and Kamose assumed the throne. Kamos entered the battle against the Hyksos with his horse, chariot, and Medjay allies. Kamos was able to over come the enemy , but when victory was in sight, he was killed, causing his younger brother Ahmose I to assume the throne. Ahmos I was able to defeat and remove the Hyksos from Egypt and begin the New Kingdom.

image 1: http://earlyworldhistory.blogspot.com/2012/02/egypt-middle-kingdom.html

image 2: http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/details.php?code=DLE06

site: http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/ancient-egypt

manual pages: 128-130

Sarah Hill