The First Intermediate Period (about 2181-2055 BC) marks an era of division and political upheaval in Egypt, between the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom. This period encompasses the XNUMXth, XNUMXth, XNUMXth, XNUMXth and part of the XNUMXth dynasties.
-
Political context and dynasties
The end of the Old Kingdom led to the weakening of central power and the rise of provincial governors, called nomarchs. The pharaohs of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth Dynasties, often seen as weak rulers, lost control of the provinces, leading to political fragmentation in Egypt.
-
Geographic division and rivalries
During the First Intermediate Period, Egypt was divided into several rival kingdoms. Upper Egypt was controlled by the pharaohs of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth dynasties, based in Heracleopolis, while Lower Egypt was ruled by the nomarchs of Memphis and other regional centers.
-
Art, literature and culture
Despite political instability, the First Intermediate Period was a period of artistic and literary revival. The art of this period reflects a greater diversity of provincial styles and influences. Literature, on the other hand, developed with texts like Ipuwer's Lamentations, which describe the troubles and difficulties of the time.
-
Religion and beliefs
Religious beliefs also evolved during the First Intermediate Period. Local gods grew in importance, and the pharaohs paid more attention to local cults. Religion was a way for rulers to strengthen their power and legitimacy.
-
Archeology and discoveries
The archaeological discoveries of the First Intermediate Period are mainly concentrated in the necropolises and the temples of the provinces. The excavations revealed monuments, stelae and objects reflecting the cultural and artistic changes of the time.
-
Reunification and the beginning of the Middle Kingdom
The First Intermediate Period ended with the rise of the Eleventh Dynasty and the reunification of Egypt under the reign of Mentuhotep II, marking the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. This period of reunification allowed the restoration of political order, the centralization of power and the establishment of a more efficient administration.
In conclusion, the First Intermediate Period is an era of division and political upheaval in Egypt, which was nevertheless the crucible of significant cultural and artistic changes. This period of transition eventually led