The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

His son Sesostris I (1975–1934 B.C.; see pages 15, 49) and King Sesostris III (1882–1845 B.C.; see page 134) extend their rule over neighboring countries. Amenemhat III (1844–1797 B.C.; see page 84) transforms the Fayyum region into cultivable land.

Dynasty 13: From around original: "circa" 1790 B.C.; the downfall of the kingdom.
Egypt is overthrown by a barbarian people from Asia known as the Hyksos a group of nomadic invaders, often called the "Shepherd Kings," who ruled northern Egypt for over a century, who rule from their capital, Avaris (located on the northeastern frontier of the Delta). From among their subjects, the princes of Thebes eventually become independent (see pages 52, 165), and one of these, King Amosis (around original: "circa" 1580 B.C.), succeeds in driving out the Hyksos.

NEW KINGDOM.

Dynasty 18: A period of the highest achievement in general culture and political power.
Thebes becomes the capital, and its god, Amun, becomes the chief of the gods. Thutmose I (around original: "circa" 1555–1501 B.C.) and his son Thutmose III (around original: "circa" 1478–1447 B.C.) create an empire that extends from the Sudan to the Euphrates River (see pages 167, 254).

Amenophis III modern name: Amenhotep III (around original: "circa" 1415–1380 B.C.) enjoys a long, brilliant reign, in which, however, there are already signs of a coming revolution. This revolution occurs under his son, Amenophis IV (beginning in 1380 B.C.), who strives to bring about a religious reformation centered on pure sun-worship (pages 288–292). Upon meeting with opposition, he abandons Thebes and founds a new capital at El-Amarna in Middle Egypt. During this time, art takes on a new character and the old literary language is replaced by the spoken colloquial language (page xxvi). From this point on, the king calls himself Akhenaten original: "Ikhenaton". The later history of this "heretical" period is quite obscure; all we know is that the traditional faith finally triumphed (pages 293 and following original: "ff.", 309).

Dynasty 19: Around original: "circa" 1350–1200 B.C.
The center of gravity for the kingdom lies from this point forward in the Delta region, though Thebes remains the sacred city, adorned with the enormous temples of Karnak, Luxor, and so forth.