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date: 15 February 2025

The First Intermediate Period in Egyptlocked

The First Intermediate Period in Egyptlocked

  • Wojciech EjsmondWojciech EjsmondPolish Academy of Sciences

Summary

The First Intermediate Period (FIP; c. 2118–1980 bce) covers almost a century and a half during which the first major crisis of the Egyptian state occurred. Many aspects of the civilization went through a significant restructuring during that time.

After nearly a millennium of the elite ruling from Memphis, a new capital was established at Heracleopolis Magna. Provincial administrative personages rose to prominence and some exercised political initiative, such as the rulers of Edfu, Hefat, and Thebes. The latter took control of southern Upper Egypt and challenged the kings ruling from Heracleopolis. Thus, the period is characterized by this division to northern and southern kingdoms.

On the one hand, traditional historiography views the epoch as a time of crisis, featuring wars and famines, yet it seems that such opinions may be exaggerated. On the other hand, this period witnessed the growth of provincial towns like Edfu and Dendera and the flourishing of literature. Provincial culture was enriched by traditions previously developed in the capital and disseminated across the country, although the artistic quality was often compromised.

The culture of the following periods inherited innovations of the FIP, such as scarab seals, mummy masks, saff-tombs, and the idea that royal power comes from the gods. A new power center emerged in the south, Thebes, which dominated the political, religious, and cultural life of Egypt for the next two millennia.

Subjects

  • Archaeology
  • Cultural History
  • Early States and State Formation in Africa

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