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Oct. 9, 2009
Ancient Egypt (World History Essays Part 6)
One of the greatest reasons for Ancient Egypt's success was the River Nile.
One of the reasons we know so much about the Ancient Egypt's History of over a thousand years is the fact that a chronology of the Rulers (or "Pharaohs") of Ancient Egypt that is credited to an Egyptian Priest called Matheo. This history is divided into several periods, beginning in about 3100 B.C, when a Pharaoh, who is believed to be called Narmer or Menes; untied the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Egypt—establishing the First Egyptana Dynasty and the Capital, Mephis.
The first and second Dynasties were known as the Early Dynastic Period, which lasted until 2686 B.C.
The Pharaoh was the abseloute monarch, and was supposed to be associated in one way or another with the gods Horus and Re.
During this period, royal tombs were surrounded by subsidiary tombs—sacrificed servants or slaves, so as to continue to work-for the king in the afterlife.
However, by the end of the second Dynasty, this system was abandoned and models of servants were used instead.
The Old Kingdom continued from 2686 to 2181 B.C—marking the first Egypt's Great Ages. It was a period of political and social stability, and it saw the construction of such monuments as the Pyramid of Giza. The Pharaoh's "Divine Authority" continued to increase and officials, who were usually members of his family, carried-out most legal and/or political duties.
However, when the 6th Dynasty came to an end, when kind Pepi II died (he had been 6 when he acceded the throne and is believed to have reigned for 94 years); The Old Kingdom Ended.
Eventually, though, the anarchy ended when Mentuhtep II became leader and created the Middle Kingdom, which would last from 2055-1795 B.C; beginning another period of stability.
His dynasty saw several advancements in several subjects. He also moved the capital to Thebes.
Eventually, though, this period of stability would come to an end when foreigners, known as the Hyksos, were allowed to rule part-time.
But these were soon overthrone by Amosis I.
This period made the Egyptians realize that they were quite vulnerable to foreign invasion, and would thereby need a professional army.
-Isaac Aaron Buckley
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