In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, students examine Egypt's Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom, analyzing how pharaohs expanded territory, collected tribute, and advanced arts and architecture during a golden age. Students also learn how the Hyksos invasion, featuring horse-drawn chariots and bronze weapons, brought the Middle Kingdom to an end. The lesson uses a comparison chart to help students organize key details about government, economy, and dates across both kingdoms.
Section 1
Invaders End Egypt's Golden Age
During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt entered a golden age of peace and wealth. Pharaohs expanded territory and strengthened the country with new building projects. Art and literature flourished during this stable time.
This period of greatness did not last. Internal fighting and civil wars weakened Egypt's power, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to outside attack.
Section 2
Pharaohs Use Trade to Build Alliances
Ancient Egypt was powerful, but it lacked important resources like wood and certain metals. Pharaohs organized long-distance trade expeditions to bring these valuable goods from other lands, such as the kingdom of Punt.
This regular exchange of goods created important connections with other kingdoms. To keep the peace, pharaohs used diplomacy. For example, Ramses II signed the world's first known peace treaty with the Hittite Empire, ending a long war.
Section 3
Unique Rulers Change Egypt
During the New Kingdom, some pharaohs ruled in new and surprising ways. Hatshepsut was one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs. Instead of focusing only on war, she expanded Egypt’s power through trade. Her expeditions brought great wealth and new goods to the empire.
Later, the pharaoh Akhenaton attempted a massive religious change. He wanted Egyptians to stop worshipping their many traditional gods. Instead, he introduced the worship of a single sun god, Aton. This dramatic shift challenged centuries of Egyptian beliefs and traditions.
Section 4
Pharaohs Restore Egyptian Power
After Akhenaton's disruptive rule, later pharaohs worked to bring back Egyptian traditions and power. The young pharaoh Tutankhamen rejected the worship of a single god. He restored Egypt's traditional religion and its many gods, bringing back familiar customs.
Later, Ramses II ruled for 66 years and focused on expanding the empire's strength. He led the army in major battles and ordered the construction of enormous temples and monuments. These actions helped restore Egypt's status as a great power in the ancient world.
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Section 1
Invaders End Egypt's Golden Age
During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt entered a golden age of peace and wealth. Pharaohs expanded territory and strengthened the country with new building projects. Art and literature flourished during this stable time.
This period of greatness did not last. Internal fighting and civil wars weakened Egypt's power, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to outside attack.
Section 2
Pharaohs Use Trade to Build Alliances
Ancient Egypt was powerful, but it lacked important resources like wood and certain metals. Pharaohs organized long-distance trade expeditions to bring these valuable goods from other lands, such as the kingdom of Punt.
This regular exchange of goods created important connections with other kingdoms. To keep the peace, pharaohs used diplomacy. For example, Ramses II signed the world's first known peace treaty with the Hittite Empire, ending a long war.
Section 3
Unique Rulers Change Egypt
During the New Kingdom, some pharaohs ruled in new and surprising ways. Hatshepsut was one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs. Instead of focusing only on war, she expanded Egypt’s power through trade. Her expeditions brought great wealth and new goods to the empire.
Later, the pharaoh Akhenaton attempted a massive religious change. He wanted Egyptians to stop worshipping their many traditional gods. Instead, he introduced the worship of a single sun god, Aton. This dramatic shift challenged centuries of Egyptian beliefs and traditions.
Section 4
Pharaohs Restore Egyptian Power
After Akhenaton's disruptive rule, later pharaohs worked to bring back Egyptian traditions and power. The young pharaoh Tutankhamen rejected the worship of a single god. He restored Egypt's traditional religion and its many gods, bringing back familiar customs.
Later, Ramses II ruled for 66 years and focused on expanding the empire's strength. He led the army in major battles and ordered the construction of enormous temples and monuments. These actions helped restore Egypt's status as a great power in the ancient world.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter