The "Middle Kingdom of Egypt" refers to a period in ancient Egyptian history between the 21st and 17th centuries BCE. The word "middle" is pronounced /ˈmɪdəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription and is spelled with the letters M-I-D-D-L-E in English. "Kingdom" is pronounced /ˈkɪŋdəm/ and is spelled with the letters K-I-N-G-D-O-M. "Egypt" is pronounced /ˈiːdʒɪpt/ and is spelled with the letters E-G-Y-P-T. The correct spelling and pronunciation of these words are important for accurate communication and understanding of historical events.
The Middle Kingdom of Egypt refers to a significant period in ancient Egyptian history spanning from approximately 2055 to 1650 BCE. This era is recognized as the second intermediate period, encompassing the 11th and 12th dynasties. The Middle Kingdom marked a time of reorganization and centralization following the collapse of the Old Kingdom.
During this period, Pharaohs regained their authority and implemented various reforms to strengthen their rule. The Middle Kingdom is often characterized by renewed stability, increased contact with foreign lands, and notable achievements in arts, architecture, and literature. Additionally, the centralization of power led to advancements in administrative systems and regional governance.
The term "Middle Kingdom" was adopted due to the significance of Egypt's location, which Egyptians believed to be positioned at the center of the world. This belief influenced their perception of their kingdom as the middle or center of the entire cosmos. Moreover, the Middle Kingdom witnessed a revival of the arts, with flourishing representations of human and divine figures in sculptures and reliefs, displaying greater naturalism and emotional depth compared to earlier periods.
Despite its accomplishments, the Middle Kingdom eventually faced internal conflicts and external threats from various nomadic tribes. Eventually, its decline in power led to the onset of the Second Intermediate Period and the subsequent domination of Egypt by foreign powers, such as the Hyksos. Nevertheless, the Middle Kingdom is recognized as a remarkable era of cultural and political development in ancient Egypt.