Middle Kingdom

Biography:

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt, also known as the Second Intermediate Period, refers to a period of Egyptian history that lasted from approximately 2055 BC to 1650 BC, comprising two periods: the 11th Dynasty and the 12th to 14th Dynasties. The 12th Dynasty, which is the focus of this entry, was a time of great cultural and artistic development in Egypt. It was marked by the reign of powerful pharaohs such as Amenemhat I, Senusret I, and Amenemhat III, who ruled from Thebes and later from Lisht. The 12th Dynasty is often considered the zenith of the Middle Kingdom, with a flourishing of literature, art, and architecture. The dynasty came to an end with the invasion of the Hyksos, who established the 15th Dynasty and ruled Lower Egypt for the next century.