Historical and Geographical Context
New Kingdom Egypt (1550-1077 BC) was a period of immense power and wealth, marked by territorial expansion and monumental building projects.
Geographical Setting
The New Kingdom's geographical setting included the fertile Nile Valley, surrounded by deserts. The Nile River provided water, fertile soil, and a means of transport.
Natural Features and Resources
Egypt's natural resources included gold, copper, stone, and fertile land for agriculture. The deserts provided protection from invaders.
Significant Sites
- Thebes: The political and religious capital of New Kingdom Egypt, home to the great temples of Karnak and Luxor.
- Valley of the Kings: A royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles.
- Malkata: Amenhotep III's palace complex, showcasing the wealth and architectural prowess of the period.
The Economy
Importance of the Nile
The Nile was the lifeblood of Egypt, enabling agriculture, animal husbandry, and transport. Its annual floods enriched the soil for farming.
Economic Exchange: Barter and Taxation
The economy was based on barter, with goods exchanged for other goods and services. The state collected taxes in the form of grain, livestock, and labor.
Impact of Empire
Egypt's empire brought wealth through booty, tribute from conquered lands, and trade with neighboring regions.
Occupations, Crafts, and Industry
Occupations included farming, craftsmanship in wood, stone, and metalworking. Industries flourished, supported by advanced technology and skilled labor.
Technology
Technological advances included the use of bronze tools, building materials like mudbrick and stone, and sophisticated construction techniques for monuments and tombs.
Religion, Death, and Burial
Gods, Goddesses, Cults, and Priesthoods
The pantheon included gods like Amun-Re, Osiris, and Isis. The priesthood held significant power, managing temples and rituals.
Festivals
- Opet: Celebrated the link between the pharaoh and the god Amun.
- Beautiful Feast of the Valley: Honored the dead and celebrated the afterlife.
- Heb-Sed Festival: Marked the rejuvenation of the pharaoh's power.
Myths and Legends
Important myths included the Creation myth and the Osiris myth, which explained the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
Funerary Customs, Rituals, and Texts
Funerary practices included mummification, the use of the Book of the Dead, and the Amduat, which guided the deceased through the afterlife.
Temples: Architecture and Function
Temples like Karnak, Luxor, and Deir el-Bahri were centers of worship and community activities. They were architectural marvels reflecting the religious devotion of the time.
Tombs: Architecture and Decoration
Tombs in Thebes were elaborately decorated with scenes depicting the deceased's journey to the afterlife, emphasizing their status and beliefs.
Cultural and Everyday Life
Art
Artisans produced intricate sculptures, jewelry, and wall paintings that depicted religious themes, daily life, and the pharaoh's achievements.
Writing and Literature
Literature included love poetry, instructional texts like the Instruction of Ani, and the Papyrus Lansing which promoted the scribe's profession.
Leisure Activities
Leisure activities included music, dance, and sports. Board games like Senet were popular among all classes.
Health
Health practices included the use of medicinal herbs and surgical procedures. Human remains provide insights into the health and diseases of the time.
Social Structure and Political Organisation
Roles and Images of the Pharaoh
The pharaoh was both a political and religious leader, embodying the concept of maat (order and justice). Pharaohs were often depicted in art and inscriptions as divine rulers.
Roles of the Vizier and Elites
The vizier was the highest official under the pharaoh, overseeing administration and justice. Members of the religious, administrative, and military elites held significant power and influence.
Nature and Role of the Army
The army was crucial for protecting Egypt and expanding its territories. Soldiers were rewarded with land and spoils of war.
Roles and Status of Women
Women could hold high status, particularly in royal circles. Queens and noblewomen could wield significant influence, while non-royal women had roles in religious and domestic spheres.
Scribes, Artisans, and Agricultural Workers
Scribes were essential for administration, record-keeping, and communication. Artisans created the monuments and artworks, while agricultural workers sustained the economy through farming.