Ancient Egypt, Part Two
EGYPT'S HISTORY
Robert Guisepi, 2004
The Valley of the Nile
New Kingdom
The 13th Dynasty saw weak rulers—50 or 60 in 150 years. The Second Intermediate Period (14th-17th dynasties) was another time of divided rule in Egypt. The Hyksos, invaders from western Asia, entered Egypt and ruled as kings. Their influence introduced new technology and a broader Mediterranean worldview. Egypt was later reunified from Thebes, expelling the Hyksos, and the New Kingdom began with the 18th Dynasty, marking a period of power, wealth, and influence through trade and conquest.
Architecture
- Religious Structures: The kings of the 18th-20th dynasties, with Thebes as the capital, honored the god Amon. The Karnak temple complex grew under successive rulers, becoming an awe-inspiring religious center with grand pylon gateways, colonnaded courts, and halls.
- Funerary Temples: West of Thebes, rulers built mortuary temples. Hatshepsut’s temple at Dayr al-Baḥrī, a terraced structure with shrines and reliefs, stands out.
- Valley of the Kings: Rock-cut tombs, such as those in the Valley of the Kings, housed royal mummies. These tombs, decorated with religious texts, aimed to protect spirits in the afterlife.
- Ramses II’s Abű Simbel: The colossal rock-cut temple of Abű Simbel in Nubia was relocated during the construction of the Aswân High Dam.
Domestic architecture, though made of mud brick, revealed multiroomed palaces and villages resembling modern Egyptian life.
Sculpture
- Reached its zenith in the New Kingdom. Early stylization evolved into a graceful, courtly style under rulers like Hatshepsut and Amenhotep III.
- Akhenaton’s Era: A revolutionary style emerged, blending realism with beauty, as seen in the iconic bust of Nefertiti.
Painting
- Used in private tombs, painting depicted vibrant Nile life, from funerary rites to royal inspections. Common motifs included hunting and fishing scenes.
Decorative Arts
- Exquisite items from Tutankhamun’s tomb showcase the era's artistry with materials like gold and alabaster. Even pottery featured intricate floral designs.
Late Period
- Following the strong 18th-20th dynasties, weaker rulers allowed foreign influences. Ramses III (20th Dynasty) defended Egypt against invasions, leaving Medinet Habu as a testament to his reign.
- Third Intermediate Period: Marked by foreign rule, with Kushite kings restoring Egypt’s traditions and adopting pyramid burials. The Assyrians ended Kushite dominance, leading to the Saite period (26th Dynasty).
- Saites: Continued artistic restoration, engaging with Greeks and Jews. Artistic traditions persisted under Persian, Greek, and Roman domination, influencing cultures far beyond Egypt.
The enduring legacy of Ancient Egypt remains evident in art and architecture, inspiring civilizations and modern culture.
