The Hyksos invasion of Egypt marked a turning point, introducing new weapons and cultural influences. This led to the rise of the New Kingdom, a period of Egyptian imperialism and expansion into the Levant and Nubia.

New Kingdom pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramses II expanded Egypt's empire through military campaigns. They also engaged in diplomacy with other powers, established trade networks, and undertook massive building projects, showcasing Egypt's wealth and power.

The Hyksos and Egypt's New Kingdom

Impact of Hyksos invasion

• Hyksos, Semitic people from the Levant, invaded and ruled parts of Lower Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BCE)
  • Brought new weapons and technology to Egypt (horse-drawn chariot, composite bow)
  • Influenced Egyptian culture and religion by introducing Hyksos deities into the Egyptian pantheon (Baal, Anat)
• Hyksos rule overthrown by Theban rulers of Upper Egypt, beginning the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1069 BCE)
  • Expulsion of Hyksos led to a more militaristic and expansionist Egyptian state focused on securing borders and establishing an empire in the Levant (Syria, Palestine)
  • This marked the beginning of Egyptian imperialism in the region

Influential New Kingdom Pharaohs and Their Achievements

Achievements of New Kingdom pharaohs

• Ahmose I (r. c. 1550-1525 BCE) founded the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom, completed the expulsion of the Hyksos, and reunified Egypt
• Thutmose III (r. c. 1479-1425 BCE) expanded Egypt's empire through successful military campaigns in the Levant and Nubia, established a system of vassal states and tribute to maintain control over conquered territories
• Amenhotep III (r. c. 1391-1353 BCE) presided over a period of peace, prosperity, and artistic flourishing, undertook major building projects (Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon)
• Akhenaten (r. c. 1353-1336 BCE) attempted to reform Egyptian religion by promoting the worship of the sun disc Aten as the supreme deity, moved the capital to the new city of Akhetaten (Amarna)
  • This attempt at monotheism was a significant departure from traditional Egyptian polytheism
• Tutankhamun (r. c. 1332-1323 BCE) restored traditional Egyptian religion, moved the capital back to Thebes, famous for the discovery of his intact tomb in 1922
• Ramses II (r. c. 1279-1213 BCE), one of the most powerful and long-reigning pharaohs, known for his extensive building projects (Ramesseum, Abu Simbel temples), fought the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites resulting in the first recorded peace treaty in history

Foreign relations in New Kingdom Egypt

• Military campaigns and diplomacy established an Egyptian empire in the Levant and Nubia
  • Vassal states paid tribute to Egypt in goods, resources, and labor
  • Egyptian control over trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea increased
• Diplomatic relations and trade established with major powers
  • Mitanni, a powerful kingdom in northern Mesopotamia, initially rivaled Egypt for control of the Levant but later became an ally through diplomatic marriages
  • Hittites, an Anatolian empire, fought against Egypt for control of the Levant (Battle of Kadesh, subsequent peace treaty)
  • Trade and diplomatic ties with the Aegean world flourished (Minoans, Mycenaeans)
• Luxury goods imported from Nubia, the Levant, and the Land of Punt (possibly Horn of Africa)
  • Gold, ivory, ebony, and incense used to display wealth and power of pharaohs and Egyptian elite
  • Some luxury items used in religious ceremonies and as offerings to the gods

Political and religious developments

• Power and authority of pharaohs reached its peak during the New Kingdom
  • Pharaohs seen as divine rulers, intermediaries between gods and people
  • Wealth from tribute, trade, and exploitation of conquered territories allowed pharaohs to undertake massive building projects and maintain a large bureaucracy
• Cult of Amun, a creator god often merged with the sun god Ra (Amun-Ra), became increasingly influential
  • Temple of Amun at Karnak, near Thebes, grew in size and importance
  • High Priests of Amun gained significant political and economic power, sometimes rivaling that of pharaohs
• Akhenaten's religious reforms (Amarna Period) temporarily disrupted the traditional religious order
  • Worship of Aten as the supreme deity promoted, cults of other gods suppressed
  • After Akhenaten's death, successors (Tutankhamun, Horemheb) restored traditional religious order and erased references to Akhenaten and his reforms
• Valley of the Kings, a necropolis near Thebes, became the primary burial site for New Kingdom pharaohs
  • Tombs cut into rock and decorated with elaborate wall paintings and inscriptions
  • Location chosen to better protect tombs from grave robbers, although many still looted in antiquity

Technological and Cultural Advancements

• Chariot warfare revolutionized military tactics and contributed to Egypt's imperial expansion
• International trade flourished, bringing new ideas, materials, and technologies to Egypt
• Hieroglyphics continued to be used for official inscriptions and religious texts, preserving Egyptian history and culture