The Middle Kingdom of Egypt

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2040-1782 BCE) refers to a phase in the history of ancient Egypt that has often been labelled as the "Classical Age" in ancient Egyptian civilization: the time when peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing were at their best. It had begun after the darkness of the chaos period and was rejuvenated with the reunification of Egypt by the 11th Dynasty. Here the central government, through aggressive military efforts, succeeded in expanding the boundaries of ancient Egypt. It was a golden age in art, literature, and architecture as numerous monuments and tombs were being built. Such periods saw the reign of strong pharaohs such as Amenemhat I and Senusret III. This was the stage that formed the foundation of the future prosperity of Egyptian civilization. The Middle Kingdom thus remains a defining period that crystallized as a powerful, influential empire of an ancient world.

The Role of Art and Architecture in the Middle Kingdom

1. Artistic Achievements in the Middle Kingdom

Sculpture: Middle Kingdom sculptors created many complex statues, stelae, and relief. The statue of Senusret III is considered one of the most stunning and lifelike portraitures of a pharaoh from among these. 

Painting and Relief: The Middle Kingdom was rich in painting and relief work in the realms of the tombs and temples. Deep, emotional, narrative storytelling was characteristic of specific performances, such as the depiction in the tombs of Amenemhat II and Senusret III. 

Craftsmanship and Jewellery: Craftsmanship in the Middle Kingdom exemplifies the making of jewelry, pottery, and other little bits of decoration. The pieces are considered among the finest of all periods because they were made of gold, turquoise, and semi-precious stones. From the exquisite jewelry, as a matter of fact, the coffin of Amenemhat II of the Middle Kingdom boasts of inlaid colored stones.

2. Architecture of the Middle Kingdom

Pyramids and Tombs: While the Old Kingdom tradition of pyramid building had begun to wane, the Middle Kingdom saw the construction of smaller but still remarkably significant pyramids. The famous Middle Kingdom pyramids are those erected by the 12th Dynasty pharaohs, most prominently Amenemhat II and Senusret II. 

Temples and Religious Structures: The Middle Kingdom saw the construction of monumental temples dedicated to the gods of Egypt. One of the most significant architectural achievements of the period was the building of the Sanctuary at Karnak, as the temple was still provocatively transformed and filled under New Kingdom rule. Later additions included major statues and obelisks. Expansions were made by Senusret I and Amenemhat II, revealing a devotion to the god Amun.  

The Labyrinth at Hawara: In the time of Amenemhat II, the “so-called” labyrinth was constructed at Hawara, a large, intricate structure made intended as his tomb and palace. Though the plans of the labyrinth remain obscure, its name certainly would suggest the intricacy and size of its design. The labyrinth stood as a symbol of the might of the pharaoh and his afterlife journey. 

Fortresses and Military Architecture: The Middle Kingdom also built fortresses on its borders, especially on those of Nubia. Senusret III built a chain of fortresses to protect Egypt from future invasions as well as to safeguard trade routes. 

3. Funerary Architecture and the Afterlife

Rock-cut Tombs: The pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom became more inclined to bury their dead in rock-cut tombs instead of traditional pyramids. Examples of such tombs include the tombs of the nobles in the Theban necropolis (e.g., tombs of Senusret III and Amenemhat II). 

Funerary Stelae: In the Middle Kingdom, funerary stelae, or stone slabs, were used for inscriptions with religious texts and depictions of the deceased. They were also found in tombs and used to invoke divine protection on the afterlife. 

4. Legacy of Art and Architecture in the Middle Kingdom

Art and architecture in the Era set the stage for later phases of Egyptian culture. Such an emphasis on realism, as well as its monumental architecture projects, also influenced later periods and, partly, later dynasties, particularly within the New Kingdom. Architectural forms, the context of statuary and stelae, and the matter of the afterlife would mark Egyptian civilization.

Key Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom

1. Mentuhotep II (c. 2055–2004 BCE)
In this period, Mentuhotep II is acknowledged for reuniting Egypt from the First Intermediate and bringing the political fragmentation that plagued the country to an end. The title “Egyptian Herakles” speaks of one tending to focus on the domestic rather than the military side of his affairs. Since he reigned over all of Upper and Lower Egypt, Herakleopolis became central in the country. His troops also subdued the rebels in the Delta; otherwise, the town was characterized by a lively and economy-boosting harbor. Still, Mentuhotep II must be even more famous among the great rulers for his two-terraced mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari.

2. Amenemhat I (c. 1991–1962 BCE)
The first ruler of the 12th Dynasty proved to be so well-known and strong: to control the power by keeping the central administration under control. Corresponding to that, the state included representatives posted in provinces. He was ruling at a time of expansion in commerce and military adventures in Nubia, which included some structural projects. His projects improved the incomplete irrigation system of the Faiyum, built a new capital at Itjtawy, and established it during the time of the 12th Dynasty in Egypt. Amenemhat I’s reign is characterized by the prosperity of the period of the Middle Kingdom.

3. Senusret I (c. 1971–1926 BCE)
By definition, similar to his father Amenemhat I, the son Senusret I built up the central government. He campaigned, especially in Nubia, where he extended Egyptian influence. He also tended to make the development of trade better and centralized the arts, which thus brought about Egypt's social progress. His reign was marked by the erection of temples at Karnak, a tendency for securely placing the idea of divine kingship at the heart of Middle Kingdom ideology.

4. Senusret III (c. 1878–1841 BCE)
This contemporary pharaoh from the Middle Kingdom was renowned not only for his military conquests but also for his reforms, accomplishments, and such victories. He secured Egypt’s part and also advanced into campaigns to fortify the southern borders. One is to remember his period with administrative reforms that improved the efficiency of the bureaucracy in Egypt. Senusret III, it is said, engaged in those gigantic construction works and constructed water lines to fortresses along the Nile. Perhaps the most elaborate of tombs created during the Middle Kingdom, that of Senusret III, is located in the Valley of the Kings. 

5. Amenemhat II (c. 1929–1908 BCE)
One ruler important in the politics of the 12th Dynasty who set to concentrate on the military defense of Egypt as well as the expansion of the area into the Near East: Amenemhat II. The ruler Amenmen Hat II had many monumental constructions during his reign because it seemed that Egypt was stable and beneficial trade associations with regions like the Levant were established. But after all, his reign was peaceful and prosperous, allowing him to focus on the infrastructure development of Egypt. Building the last part of his funerary monument, the mortuary temple at Hawara, marked his peaceful reign. 

6. Amenemhat III (c. 1860–1814 BCE)
The reign of Abrimad III marks one of the last high points in Middle Kingdom rule with regard to art, architecture, and commerce. He pushed Egypt for further dominance of the Nubians by fortifying the defenses of fortresses and monumental structures. Indeed, he attempted to link all these projects with the creation of the famous Labyrinth at Hawara—a huge project used as tombs and royal palaces. Like many pharaohs around that time, he also encouraged more farming and trade with the surrounding regions. The pharaoh’s last years saw a slow decay of central authority, signaling the approaching end of the Middle Kingdom. 

7. Amenemhat IV (c. 1814–1798Bc)
Amenemhat IV, the son of Amenemhat III, is considered by many as the last ruler of the Middle Kingdom, for at that time the power of Middle Kingdom Egypt was in a rapid decline, and the internal strife within the land had significantly increased. He did not exercise much in military and building activities during his short reign as king. Following his death, the 13th Dynasty came to power, throwing many anomalies at Egypt, ushering in the Second Intermediate Period.

The art and architecture of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt were very important in creating the identity of the culture, politically and otherwise. One art period saw a marvelous change from an artifact with an enormous tendency toward monumentality to settings bearing closer resemblance to natural settings, the energies vested in the power of the pharaohs and the enormity of their legacy as expressed through towering architecture-tombs and temples; perfectly formed statues and exquisitely painted tombs, monumental historic buildings-laying down the foundations for new alternative cultures-and inspiring awe still to this very day. These lasting contributions testify to Egypt’s genius, inventiveness, and reverence for the other world, and assure the Middle Kingdom's position as one of the most significant periods in the history of ancient Egypt.