1570: Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt; New Kingdom - Scroll Down for more details


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The Rise of the Eighteenth Dynasty - Egypt's New Kingdom Ascendancy (c. 1570 BCE)

Introduction

Around 1570 BCE, Egypt underwent a monumental transformation as the Eighteenth Dynasty emerged, marking the beginning of the New Kingdom (c. 1570-1069 BCE). This era is often called Egypt's "Empire Age," characterized by military conquests, territorial expansion, and unprecedented wealth and artistic achievement.

Historical Context: Expulsion of the Hyksos

The Eighteenth Dynasty's rise was fueled by the successful expulsion of the Hyksos, a Semitic people who had dominated northern Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BCE). The Theban princes Seqenenre Tao and Kamose began the resistance, but it was Ahmose I (r. c. 1550-1525 BCE) who finally drove the Hyksos out of Egypt, reunifying the country and establishing the New Kingdom.

Key Developments Under the Early Eighteenth Dynasty

  1. Military Expansion {content}amp; Empire Building
    • Ahmose I and his successors, particularly Thutmose I and Thutmose III, launched campaigns into Nubia and the Levant, securing Egypt's borders and establishing dominance over trade routes.
    • Egypt became an imperial power, controlling territories from the Euphrates River in the north to the Fourth Cataract of the Nile in the south.
  2. The Reign of Hatshepsut (c. 1479-1458 BCE)
    • One of Egypt's most famous female pharaohs, Hatshepsut, ruled as regent before declaring herself king.
    • She focused on trade (notably the expedition to Punt) and monumental building projects, including her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari.
  3. Religious {content}amp; Cultural Flourishing
    • The god Amun-Ra became the supreme state deity, and the priesthood of Amun gained immense power.
    • Monumental architecture thrived, with grand temples at Karnak and Luxor.

Legacy of the Early New Kingdom

The Eighteenth Dynasty laid the foundation for Egypt's golden age, producing legendary rulers like Akhenaten (who introduced a brief period of monotheism) and Tutankhamun. By 1570 BCE, Egypt was on the path to becoming the dominant power of the ancient Near East.

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