EGIPTO NUNCA VOLVIÓ A SER IGUAL 🌅 El Reino Medio/Imperio Medio ✨ Historia universal

History of the Middle Kingdom in Egypt

Introduction to the Middle Kingdom

• Alejandra introduces the topic, emphasizing the excitement and significance of the Middle Kingdom in Egyptian history.

• She highlights the importance of understanding prior periods, specifically the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period, as a foundation for discussing the Middle Kingdom.

Reunification Under Mentuhotep I

• The Middle Kingdom begins with Mentuhotep I from the Tenth Dynasty, who reunifies Egypt after a period of division into two kingdoms.

• Mentuhotep I leads a successful campaign against Heracleopolis from Thebes, marking a significant milestone by ending political instability known as the First Intermediate Period.

Political and Religious Developments

• During his reign, Mentuhotep I reorganizes local powers and bureaucracy, placing loyal supporters in positions of authority.

• He initiates temple constructions that earn him favor among priests; initially establishing Thebes as capital before moving it south to Itjtawy during Amenemhat I's reign.

Cultural Significance and Military Expansion

• Theban area gains prominence during this period; Amun's cult rises in importance, foreshadowing its central role in later dynasties.

• Construction of Karnak Temple begins during this time despite most remnants being from later periods; reflects growing religious significance.

Challenges and Succession Issues

• Despite relative stability, issues arise towards Amenemhat I’s end regarding succession; Senusret I must return from military campaigns to claim his throne.

• Senusret I rules for 45 years while expanding Egypt’s territory through military conquests, notably in Nubia.

Decline and Literary Flourishing

• By the end of the 12th Dynasty, succession problems lead to instability with multiple monarchs emerging during the 13th Dynasty.

• This era witnesses early rebellions in Nubia alongside a flourishing literary culture characterized by narratives like "The Tale of Sinuhe" and teachings such as "The Teachings for Merikare."

Expeditions and Trade Relations

• Notable expeditions occur outside Egypt during this period aimed at acquiring luxury goods; these are reflected in literature like "The Tale of Sinuhe."

Importance of Sinai Mines and Fayum Irrigation System in Ancient Egypt

Economic Significance

• The turquoise and copper mines in Sinai were crucial for economic activities during this period.

• The Fayum irrigation system, initiated during the reign of Senusret II, became vital for agriculture, especially in the Ptolemaic period over a millennium later.

Compulsory Labor System: Azofra

• The Azofra system emerged in the Middle Kingdom, enforcing compulsory labor on lower and middle-class men and women. This labor was mandatory with no escape options.

• Officials were responsible for ensuring compliance with this labor system; however, wealthier individuals could pay others to fulfill their obligations.

• This compulsory labor persisted until the 17th dynasty, highlighting its long-term impact on Egyptian society.

Changes in Funerary Practices During the Middle Kingdom

Evolution of Burial Customs

• In contrast to the Old Kingdom where burial privileges were exclusive to pharaohs and elites, there was a shift post-first intermediate period towards democratization of burial practices among local elites.

• The introduction of Coffin Texts marked an evolution from Pyramid Texts, allowing more people access to funerary privileges previously reserved for royalty. This change reflects increased economic power among locals.

Cult of Osiris

• A notable rise in the cult of Osiris occurred during the 12th Dynasty, particularly around Naid, which may have served as political legitimization for kings at that time.

• The democratization concept coined by John Wilson links this cult's rise to broader access to afterlife beliefs among common people through Coffin Texts rather than just elite texts like Pyramid Texts.

Individual Access to Divinity

Personal Piety

• From the Middle Kingdom onwards, there was a notable increase in personal piety where individuals sought direct connections with divinity despite priests still monopolizing religious practices and temple access remaining limited.

Funerary Artifacts

• Funerary trousseaus included shapis (figurines) designed as substitutes for deceased individuals to perform tasks in the afterlife under Osiris’s guidance due to beliefs stemming from the Azofra system. These figurines illustrate how daily life influenced funerary beliefs significantly.

Conclusion: Insights into Everyday Life Through Literature

Literary Contributions

• Numerous magical objects and literary texts found within tomb artifacts provide insights into everyday life during this era; these items reflect cultural values and beliefs about death and afterlife experiences prevalent at that time.