1. Study Guide Chapter 2 Section 3 Evelyn McLaughlin
The Egyptian Empire
Study Guide
Chapter 2 Section 3
Evelyn McLaughlin

2. Did You Know?
The city of Thebes contains more than 60 tombs. One of the first archaeological digs in Thebes occurred in Four archaeological expeditions are currently in the area.

3. The Egyptian Empire: Middle Kingdom
Pharaohs lost control of Egypt in about 2300 B.C.
About 200 years later, a new dynasty of pharaohs created a capital at Thebes.
This began the Middle Kingdom: a time of stability, prosperity, and achievement.
Egypt took control of other lands and forced conquered people to send tribute: forced payments.
In this way, Egypt increased its riches.
During Middle Kingdom: arts, literature, and architecture blossomed.
Middle Kingdom ended when the Hyksos attacked and conquered Egypt.
Hyksos ruled until around 1550 B.C., when Egyptian prince Ahmose led a revolt to drive the Hyksos out of Egypt.

4. Discussion Question
Why do you think arts, literature, and architecture flourished during the Middle Kingdom period?
It was a period of political stability and economic prosperity.

5. New Kingdom During this kingdom, Egypt grew richer and more powerful.
Hatshepsut: 1st woman to rule Egypt.
Trade grew
Egyptian traders exchanged wheat, paper, and tools for Phoenician wood and furniture.
Trade made Egypt wealthier.
Thutmose III: pharaoh after Hatshepsut’s death
He conquered more lands, and Egypt grew richer from tributes.
Slavery common during his reign.
Slaves had some rights: could own land, marry, and eventually obtain freedom.

6. Discussion Question How was Hatshepsut unlike other pharaohs?
She focused on trade instead of military conquests.

7. Legacies of Two Pharaohs
Amenhotep IV: came to power in 1370 B.C.
Felt priests were gaining too much power.
Introduced a new religion with only one god.
Priests who did not follow the new religion were removed from power.
Amenhotep then changed his name to Akhenaton.
Most Egyptians refused to accept the new religion.
Amenhotep became so devoted to his new religion that he neglected his other duties.
He did not act when the Hittites attacked Egypt.
As a result, Egypt’s empire greatly diminished.
King Tut: Boy ruler who took power after Amenhotep died.
Ruled only 9 years before his death.
In A.D. 1922, found King Tut’s tomb.

8. Discussion Question
What happened as a result of the removal of the priests?
The priests were experienced in ruling Egypt.
When Amenhotep neglected his duties, the priests were no longer available to make important decisions.

9. End of New Kingdom
Ramses II: one of the most effective pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
Many temples built throughout Egypt.
Temples were not used for services.
Most Egyptians prayed at home because they believed the temples were houses for the gods and goddesses.
After Ramses’ rule, Egypt’s power began to decline.
Egypt attacked by neighboring groups and eventually controlled only the Nile delta.
Beginning in the 900s B.C., Egypt was ruled by the:
Libyans,
Then the people of Kush,
Finally the Assyrians.

10. Discussion Question
In addition to religious purposes, what other purpose did the temples serve?
The temples also served as banks. People stored valuable items in the temples, such as jewelry and oils.