The Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1782-1570 BC) is an era in Egyptian history marked by political fragmentation, the invasion of the Hyksos, and the struggle for unification. This period encompasses the XNUMXth, XNUMXth, XNUMXth, XNUMXth and XNUMXth Dynasties and falls between the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom.
-
Political context and dynasties
The Second Intermediate Period began with the weakening of central power and the rise of local governors, similar to the First Intermediate Period. The pharaohs of this period often ruled over limited territories, with several dynasties vying for control of Egypt.
-
The Hyksos and their influence
One of the most notable features of the Second Intermediate Period is the invasion of the Hyksos, a people of Asiatic origin. The Hyksos founded the XVth dynasty and conquered a large part of Lower Egypt. Their domination brought about cultural, technological and military changes, such as the introduction of the use of horse and chariot.
-
The struggle for unification
The struggle for the unification of Egypt was a key element of the Second Intermediate Period. The rulers of Thebes in Upper Egypt resisted Hyksos rule and gradually reconquered the whole country. This struggle culminated with the founding of the New Kingdom under Ahmose I, the first pharaoh of the XVIIIe dynasty.
-
Art, literature and culture
Art and literature of the Second Intermediate Period reflect foreign influences and local styles. Egyptian art from this period shows a fusion of Egyptian and Hyksos traditions, while the literature includes texts such as the Tale of Sinuhe, which testifies to the political and cultural context of the time.
-
Religion and beliefs
Egyptian religion also evolved during the Second Intermediate Period. Local cults grew in importance, and the Hyksos gods were integrated into the Egyptian pantheon. The rulers of this period supported local cults to enhance their legitimacy and power.
-
Archeology and discoveries
Archaeological finds from the Second Intermediate Period are mainly concentrated in temples, necropolises and habitation sites in different regions of Egypt. Excavations have revealed monuments, stelae, funerary objects and inscriptions that testify to the cultural and artistic changes of the time.
-
The end of the Second Intermediate Period and the beginning of the New Kingdom
The Second Intermediate Period ended with the expulsion of the Hyksos and the unification of Egypt under the reign of Ahmose I. This victory marked the beginning of the New Kingdom, a period of prosperity and territorial expansion for the 'Egypt.
In sum, the Second Intermediate Period is an era of Egyptian history characterized by political fragmentation, the invasion of the Hyksos and the struggle for the unification of the country. This period was also the scene of cultural exchanges and religious developments, which shaped later Egyptian history. The end of this period gave rise to the New Kingdom, marking a new era of stability and prosperity for Egypt.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||