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2115 BCE
War between Thebes and Herakleopolis
The was was between the king of Thebes and the king of Herakleolis. It lasted for a few years, and ended when Mentuhotep II, the Theban king, defeated Herakleopolis' king and unified Egypt again. This information of this event comes from a primary source of an inscription in tombs for a prince of Asyut. -
Period: 2081 BCE to 1939 BCE
Thebes was capital of Egypt
In the 11th Dynasty, (and for times in the New Kingdom as well,) Thebes became the capital of Egypt. The pharaohs that rules from Thebes are King Mentuhotep I, King Intef I, King Intef II, King Intef III, King Mentuhotep II, King Mentuhotep III and King Mentuhotep IV. However, Amenemhat I, who started the 12th Dynasty, moved the capital from Thebes to a place near Memphis called Itjtawy. There are many pyramids in Thebes, demonstrating its importance to the past kings. -
1962 BCE
Creation of The Instruction of Amenemhet
The Instruction of Amenemhet was created for his son, Sesostris I. It is unknown who wrote it, but it is delivered from Amenemhet I from the Afterlife, and talks about a conspiracy that lead to his death. It mentions that Sesostris I is the true heir, and warns his son about palace betrayal. It can also be seen as a type of propaganda for the king, as it depicts his as great, and demonstrates how he was innocent, and was betrayed and killed. -
Period: 1938 BCE to 1908 BCE
Reign of Amenemhet I
Amenemhet I was also a powerful ruler of Egypt. He moved the capital from Thebes to Itjtawy. He built fortresses along the eastern and western frontiers to protect the Nile Delta. He started a copper mine in Sinai, which boosted trade. He was assassinated, and The Instruction of Amenemhet was created for his son, Sesostris I. -
Period: 1860 BCE to 1815 BCE
Amenemhet III ruled Egypt
Amenemhet III continued on from Sesostris III's work, completing buildings and he lead military and trade expeditions. Increasing trade even more in Egypt, especially in Levant. He had a 9 year co-reign with Amenemhat IV, but when he died his sister (who also may have been his wife), Sobekneferu became pharaoh, and Amenemhat IV did not reign. -
Period: 1836 BCE to 1818 BCE
Sesostris III's reign
Sesostris III was one of the most powerful pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom. He changed Egypt's government, splitting the country into four districts and giving them each a hierarchy of officials and scribes. Countrywide treasury, agriculture, war, and labour resources were also created. This helped future pharaohs as well, as this system aided the weak rulers. Sesostris III also conducted four campaigns to Nubia, extending Egypt's Nubian professions. This also improved trade routes. -
Period: 1806 BCE to 1802 BCE
Queen Sobeknefru
Queen Sobeknefru was one of the early Queens of Egypt. She was named after the god of crocodiles, Sobek. She took the throne after her brother died. If her brother had not died, she would have grown up around the priesthood of the Deity Sobek, but upon his death they encouraged her to become pharaoh. She founded the Dragon Court as a Pharaonic institution, and extended the labyrinth of the Faiyum Oasis. -
Period: 1630 BCE to 1523 BCE
Hyksos Dynasty
Also referred as the 15th Dynasty, it was a period when foreign people rules Egypt. The Hyksos was a group of people foreigners, and were not all of the same ethnicity. During this dynasty, immigration was made easier, and many people moved from Palestine to live in Egypt. While the Hyksos ruled, there capital city was Avaris. Two men called Kamose and Seqenenre lead a revlot of Thebans against the Hyksos. The Thebans eventually won, and Ahmose was made king. -
1480 BCE
Valley of the Kings was Built
The Valley of the Kings is a valley near Thebes that holds thousands of tombs of pharaohs. Prior to its building, pharaohs had large pyramids built for them to lie in after they died. This changed with the Valley of the Kings, and pharaohs were buried in the tombs in the Valley instead. This became a tradition, and continued on into the New Kingdom. The first pharaoh to be buried there was Tuthmosis I, and many of Egypt's ancient kings followed him. -
1380 BCE
Amenhotep III Commemorative Scarabs
Scarab charms were popular with Egyptian people, as they were small and could be carried around easily. They displayed a message on them, some showing religious beliefs, names, or mottoes. Amenhotep III made scarabs that served as propaganda, which he passed out to people in Egypt. These scarabs depict ten years of his reign, and show him shooting 102 lions with a bow and arrow.
