Ancient Egypt History > First Intermediate Period of Egypt

First Intermediate Period of Egypt

Background

The First Intermediate Period of Egypt was a tumultuous era in ancient Egyptian history that followed the end of the Old Kingdom, approximately spanning from around 2181 BCE to 2055 BCE. It was characterized by political instability, regional fragmentation, and economic decline. Here's an overview of the First Intermediate Period:

1. Collapse of the Old Kingdom:

   • The First Intermediate Period began with the collapse of the Old Kingdom, a golden age characterized by centralized government, monumental construction projects, and prosperity.
   • Various factors contributed to the decline of the Old Kingdom, including political upheaval, economic challenges, environmental changes, and the weakening of central authority.

2. Political Fragmentation:

   • With the breakdown of centralized government, Egypt descended into a period of political fragmentation, as provincial governors (nomarchs) and local elites asserted their autonomy and competed for power.
   • The country was divided into rival regional centers of power, with competing dynasties vying for control over different parts of Egypt.

3. Dynastic Turmoil:

   • The First Intermediate Period saw the rise of multiple competing dynasties, including the Herakleopolitan Dynasty in Lower Egypt and the Theban Dynasty in Upper Egypt.
   • These rival dynasties engaged in power struggles and conflicts, leading to a prolonged period of dynastic turmoil and civil unrest.

4. Economic Decline:

   • The political instability and fragmentation of the First Intermediate Period had a detrimental impact on Egypt's economy, disrupting trade networks, agricultural production, and state revenues.
   • Many large-scale construction projects ceased, and the royal bureaucracy became increasingly inefficient and corrupt.

5. Cultural Changes:

   • The First Intermediate Period witnessed cultural changes and shifts in artistic styles, as provincial centers of power developed their own distinct cultural identities and artistic traditions.
   • Despite the political turmoil, there were still significant cultural achievements during this period, including developments in literature, religion, and funerary practices.

6. Hyksos Invasion:

   • Toward the end of the First Intermediate Period, Egypt faced external threats from foreign invaders known as the Hyksos, who originated from the eastern Mediterranean region.
   • The Hyksos, who likely took advantage of Egypt's weakened state, gradually infiltrated and conquered parts of the Nile Delta, establishing their own dynastic rule over Lower Egypt.

7. Transition to the Middle Kingdom:

   • The First Intermediate Period came to an end with the reunification of Egypt under the Theban Dynasty, which emerged victorious in the struggle against the Hyksos and other rival factions.
   • The reunification marked the beginning of the Middle Kingdom period, characterized by the restoration of centralized government, economic revival, and cultural flourishing.

In summary, the First Intermediate Period of Egypt was a chaotic and turbulent era marked by political fragmentation, dynastic rivalries, economic decline, and foreign invasions. It represented a period of transition between the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom, during which Egypt underwent significant social, political, and cultural changes.

The First Intermediate Period is classified by the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and part of the 11th dynasties of Egypt and there is little archaeological evidence that survives from this period. There was no major construction of monuments and the power appears to be shared by two major groups. The first was the power center in Lower Egypt based out of Heracleopolis and the second power center for Upper Egypt was based out of Thebes.

Eventually in 2,134 BCE the city of Thebes conquered the northern territories under the reign of Mentuhotep II and defeated the Lower Egyptian leaders. During this time temples and villages were pillaged, artwork vandalized and many statues and monuments destroyed in the ensuing chaos. Eventually Egypt would become reunified once again under a single ruler for the second part of the eleventh dynasty. This would eventually transition into the Middle Kingdom period.

First Intermediate Period of Egypt

• Seventh Dynasty of Egypt
• Eighth Dynasty of Egypt
• Ninth Dynasty of Egypt
• Tenth Dynasty of Egypt
• Early Eleventh Dynasty of Egypt

History