Second Intermediate Period

Definition

The Second Intermediate Period is a phase in ancient Egyptian history that lasted from around 1782 to 1570 BCE, characterized by political fragmentation and the rule of foreign powers, notably the Hyksos. This era is significant for its cultural and technological exchanges, as well as the eventual reunification of Egypt under native rule, marking a transition between the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Intermediate Period is often seen as a time of disunity in Egypt, with various regions being ruled by different leaders and foreign rulers.
2. The Hyksos introduced new military technologies, such as the composite bow and horse-drawn chariots, which transformed Egyptian warfare.
3. This period saw significant trade and cultural exchange between Egypt and neighboring regions, leading to advancements in various areas like metallurgy and agricultural practices.
4. The end of the Second Intermediate Period was marked by the expulsion of the Hyksos and the rise of native Egyptian rulers who sought to restore centralized power.
5. The reunification of Egypt after this period laid the groundwork for the New Kingdom, which became one of the most powerful and influential periods in ancient Egyptian history.

Review Questions

• How did the rule of the Hyksos influence military tactics and technology in ancient Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period?
  • The Hyksos significantly influenced military tactics and technology in ancient Egypt by introducing innovations such as horse-drawn chariots and composite bows. These advancements allowed for greater mobility and effectiveness in warfare, changing how battles were fought. Their rule also prompted native Egyptian leaders to adopt these technologies to reclaim control over their territories, ultimately leading to a military transformation that would define future conflicts.
• Discuss the implications of political fragmentation during the Second Intermediate Period for ancient Egyptian society and culture.
  • Political fragmentation during the Second Intermediate Period led to a breakdown of centralized authority, resulting in regional leaders vying for power. This disunity had significant implications for ancient Egyptian society, including disruptions in trade networks and cultural exchanges. However, it also fostered unique regional developments in art and technology as local leaders sought to establish their identity amidst foreign rule, paving the way for cultural innovations that would later be integrated into a more unified Egyptian culture.
• Evaluate how the Second Intermediate Period set the stage for the subsequent New Kingdom period in terms of social, political, and military changes.
  • The Second Intermediate Period set the stage for the New Kingdom by facilitating critical social, political, and military changes that reshaped Egypt. The expulsion of the Hyksos fostered a sense of unity among native Egyptians who sought to reclaim their heritage. This period also saw advancements in military organization and tactics that would be further developed in the New Kingdom. Additionally, cultural exchanges initiated during this era enriched Egyptian civilization, contributing to the grandeur and power that characterized Egypt at its zenith in the New Kingdom.

Related terms

Hyksos: A group of mixed Semitic people who settled in the eastern Nile Delta and ruled as kings during the Second Intermediate Period, introducing new technologies such as horse-drawn chariots.

Middle Kingdom: A period of stability and cultural flourishing in ancient Egypt that preceded the Second Intermediate Period, marked by significant achievements in literature, art, and architecture.

New Kingdom: The period following the Second Intermediate Period, known for its powerful pharaohs, military conquests, and monumental architecture, including temples and tombs.