In this Grade 4 history lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, students explore Egypt's Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom, learning how pharaohs expanded the empire through military conquests, tribute collection, and trade along the Red Sea. The lesson covers key developments including the growth of Egyptian arts and architecture, the rise of the Valley of the Kings, and the Hyksos invasion that introduced horse-drawn chariots and iron weapons to Egypt. Students examine why the Middle Kingdom is considered a golden age and how Egypt's eventual decline still left a lasting influence on other civilizations.
Section 1
Pharaohs Build Egypt's Power During the Middle Kingdom
From 2055 to 1650 BCE, Egyptian rulers conquered territories, required tribute from conquered peoples, improved irrigation systems, built canals for trade, and advanced arts and architecture during a peaceful era.
Section 2
Hatshepsut Expands Trade Instead of War
As one of few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut focused on establishing trade networks with the Phoenicians and East Africa, exchanging Egyptian goods for wood, ivory, and incense to increase Egypt's wealth.
Section 3
Akhenaton Challenges Traditional Religion
Around 1370 BCE, Pharaoh Akhenaton attempted to replace Egypt's many gods with the worship of only Aton, the sun god, removing priests from power and creating widespread unrest throughout the kingdom.
Section 4
Ramses II Restores Egyptian Greatness
During his 66-year reign, Ramses conquered territories, signed a peace treaty with the Hittites, and commissioned magnificent temples including Karnak, temporarily reversing Egypt's decline before outside powers eventually seized control.
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Section 1
Pharaohs Build Egypt's Power During the Middle Kingdom
From 2055 to 1650 BCE, Egyptian rulers conquered territories, required tribute from conquered peoples, improved irrigation systems, built canals for trade, and advanced arts and architecture during a peaceful era.
Section 2
Hatshepsut Expands Trade Instead of War
As one of few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut focused on establishing trade networks with the Phoenicians and East Africa, exchanging Egyptian goods for wood, ivory, and incense to increase Egypt's wealth.
Section 3
Akhenaton Challenges Traditional Religion
Around 1370 BCE, Pharaoh Akhenaton attempted to replace Egypt's many gods with the worship of only Aton, the sun god, removing priests from power and creating widespread unrest throughout the kingdom.
Section 4
Ramses II Restores Egyptian Greatness
During his 66-year reign, Ramses conquered territories, signed a peace treaty with the Hittites, and commissioned magnificent temples including Karnak, temporarily reversing Egypt's decline before outside powers eventually seized control.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter