La XVIIIe Egyptian dynasty, which lasted from 1550 to 1292 BC, is considered one of the golden ages of ancient Egypt. This period saw the country free itself from the domination of the Hyksôs and experience an era of unprecedented prosperity and cultural influence.
The following narrative explores the key moments and iconic characters of this fascinating dynasty.
The expulsion of the Hyksos and the founding of the XVIIIe dynasty
La XVIIIe dynasty began with the expulsion of the Hyksos, a people of Asiatic origin who had invaded and occupied Egypt for almost a century. Ahmose I, the founder of the XVIIIe dynasty, succeeded in repelling the Hyksos and reunifying Egypt under a single authority.
This victory marked the beginning of a new era of stability and prosperity for the country.
The cultural and artistic influence of the XVIIIe dynasty
La XVIIIe dynasty was a period of cultural and artistic flowering for Egypt. The pharaohs of this era undertook many building projects, including temples, tombs and monuments that still testify today to the greatness of this era. Egyptian artists and craftsmen also achieved an exceptional level of mastery in sculpture, painting and architecture.
The art of XVIIIe dynasty is characterized by a more naturalistic and expressive style than that of earlier periods. Portraits of pharaohs and members of the royal family are more realistic and individualized, perhaps reflecting a desire to show their humanity and closeness to the people.
International relations and trade
Under the XVIIIe dynasty, Egypt developed trade and diplomatic relations with many countries and regions, including Nubia, the Levant, Crete and Greece. These exchanges have enriched Egyptian culture and contributed to the economic development of the country.
The trade in luxury goods, such as gold, ivory, ebony and precious stones, was particularly important. The pharaohs also sent expeditions to East Africa to bring back exotic animals, spices, and perfumes that were highly prized at the Egyptian court.
The end of the XVIIIe dynasty and decline
The end of the XVIIIe dynasty was marked by a period of instability and decline. The last pharaohs, especially Ay et Horemheb, attempted to restore order and reform the administration, but they failed to restore the country in a lasting way.
The death of Horemheb without heir led to the emergence of a new dynasty, the 19th, with Ramesses I as the first pharaoh. Although the XVIIIe dynasty has come to an end, its cultural and historical heritage lives on and continues to inspire future generations.
List of Pharaohs of the XVIIIe dynasty:
📋 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 | ||