Chapter 2, Section 3: The Egyptian Empire

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The Drive For More Land• During the Middle Kingdom years

Egypt captured territory in Nubia (to the south) and Syria.

• These kingdoms had to pay “tribute” to the Pharaoh or risk further attacks by the Egyptians.

• With the additional wealth, Egypt irrigated new farm fields and dug a large canal connecting the Nile River to the Red Sea.

The Arts Blossom!• Also, during the Middle Kingdom years

the arts, literature, and architecture grew.• Many large statues were carved and art

was carved on building walls that showed the pharaohs and the gods.

• Rather than continuing to build pyramids, tombs were dug into the sides of mountains, as at “The Valley of the Kings.”

The Valley of the Kings, after excavation

Who Were The Hyksos?

• The Hyksos were invading warriors from western Asia.

• They crossed the desert and conquered Egypt. Their weapons were bronze and iron. They ruled Egypt for 120 years.

• Finally, an Egyptian prince named Ahmose lead an uprising and drove them out of Egypt.

A Woman Ruler

• In 1473 B.C. Hatshepsut, a woman, ruled Egypt with her husband. When he died she planned to rule until her nephew grew up. But later, she declared herself Pharaoh.

• Hatshepsut expanded trade with other parts of the known world—especially for wood (can you guess why?).

Expanding the Empire• After Hatshepsut died, her nephew

“Thutmose III” did become pharaoh.

• Thutmose III regained (conquered) Nubia and lands east to the Euphrates River.

• Egypt rebuild its cities, Thebes, and grew rich again.

• Thutmose III used enslaved prisoners to build monuments and cities.

• Before Thutmose III there was no slavery in ancient Egypt.

The Boy King

Saturday Night Live, 1979

Yul Brynner as Ramses II in the 1956 motion picture, “The Ten Commandments.”

Why Were The Temples Built?• Under Ramses II, many monuments and

buildings were built.• Many temples were built, the most famous

was Karnak, at Thebes. It was built with slave labor.

• Ancient Egyptians prayed at home to their gods. The temples were meant to be the homes of the gods.

• The temples were also used to store: valuables like jewels, gold, sweet smelling oils, and cloth.

Egypt’s Decline and Fall

• By 1150 B.C. Ramses II had died and the pharaohs that followed were weak.

• Outside armies invaded and took Egyptian land, except for the Nile Delta land.

• Egypt was invaded and conquered first the Libyans, then the people of Kush (from the south of Egypt), and finally the Assyrians (Do you remember them from Chapter 1?).

The End