Egyptian History and the Intermediate Period - Limited Information
The times in ancient Egyptian history referred to as an Intermediate period brought only minor changes to the civilization of the ancient Egyptians. Due to the chaotic nature of the various administrations of the First, Second and Third Intermediate period in ancient Egypt very little documentation survived. Manuscripts were destroyed as were statues, steles and other monuments. Details of the names of kings and the dates that they reigned were also destroyed. Only a brief outline of the people and events of the First, Second and Third Intermediate period is therefore possible. Intermediate Period and the Nomarchs
Ancient Egypt was divided into 42 regions called 'nomes' that dated to the Predynastic Period (before 3100 BC). These nomes originally existed as autonomous city-states. At the head of each Nome stood a Nomarch, a governor of the region. When the national government was strong, the Nomarchs acted as the king's appointed governors. However, when the central government was weak the Nomarchs asserted control over their regions. During the Intermediate period these powerful men were therefore in place to challenge the power and the establishment of the monarchy. The First Intermediate Period
The end of the Old Kingdom saw the start of the First Intermediate Period. The chaotic events started in this period is aptly described as "Seventy rulers in seventy days". The there were conflicts between the Kings of Memphis and the Kings of Herakleopolis but the land of Egypt was eventually reunited by King Mentuhotep II leading to the stability of the Middle Kingdom. The Second Intermediate Period
The end of the Middle Kingdom saw the start of the Second Intermediate Period, which was first dominated by the rulers based at the cities of It-tawy and Xois. However the main development of this Intermediate period was the invasion and rule of the Hyksos. The Third Intermediate Period
The end of the New Kingdom saw the start of the Third Intermediate Period, another period of foreign rulers and a chaotic Egyptian government. The foreign rulers started with the Libyans which was challenged by Harsiese who succeeded in gaining independence for Thebes. The came the rule of the City States followed by the conquest of Egypt by the Nubians. Ancient Egypt then entered the time period referred to as the Late Kingdom. Definition of the First Intermediate Period
Definition: The chaotic time in ancient Egyptian history referred to as the 'First Intermediate Period' occured between the periods of stability known as the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom. The First Intermediate period was when Egypt was unstable, weak and divided. The control of the king was weakened and there was a breakdown of central government and hierarchic structure often leading to conflict between Upper and Lower Egypt. Conflicts between the powerful Nomarchs and the state government was common The 'First Intermediate Period' covered 7th-10th Dynasties from c2181 - 2134BC Overview of the First Intermediate Period
The First Intermediate Period was known as the 'Dark Period' because very little monumental evidence survives from this period. It was a time of great upheaval in religious, political and cultural structures. Different factions in Upper and Lower Egypt vied for power. There were two bases of power - Herakleopolis in Lower Egypt and Thebes in Upper Egypt. The location of Herakleopolis and Thebes are shown on the map. King Qakare Ibi is the only Pharaoh that can connected to any monuments. His pyramid has been found at Saqqara and contains pyramid texts on the walls of his tomb. The 8th Dynasty ruled from Memphis and the 9th and 10th Dynasty ruled from Herakleopolis, although the kings were still buried at Memphis. Definition of the Second Intermediate Period
Definition: The destructive time in ancient Egyptian history referred to as the 'Second Intermediate Period' occured between the periods of stability known as the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom. The Second Intermediate period was when Egypt was weak and susceptible to foreign invasion The Hyksos 'foreign rulers' invaded the Nile Delta region of Lower Egypt The 'Second Intermediate Period' covered 13th-17th Dynasties from c1782 - 1550BC Overview of the Second Intermediate Period
The Second Intermediate Period saw the rise of hostilities of the Hyksos "Shepherd Kings", which had initially started during the 11th dynasty. The Hyksos easily gained control of the Nile Delta region due to their different type of warfare and military tactics they applied. The Hyksos 'foreign rulers' had horses and chariots - at this point in history the Egyptians did not. The Hyksos introduced the horse and chariot to Egypt. Definition of the Third Intermediate Period
Definition: The destructive time in ancient Egyptian history referred to as the 'Third Intermediate Period' occured between the periods of stability known as the New Kingdom and the Post Empire Late Period. The Third Intermediate period was when Egypt was weak and was again susceptible to foreign invasion and conquest The power of the kings had declined and Egypt was ruled by the priests of Amun-Ra. The country was subject to attacks from the Assyrians and Libyans and the Nubians conquer the South of Egypt. The 'Third Intermediate Period' covered 21st - 25th Dynasties up to the Late Period Intermediate Period
Learning about the ancient Egyptians and their history and civilization inspires everyone to visit historical sites and undertake Egypt Travel and Tours to experience the wonders of this magical land at first hand. Many people choose to experience a tour of Egypt on a Nile Cruise stopping at the famous destinations and sites of Egypt such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The information and facts about Intermediate Period will provide you with a great insight into Egypt and the legacy of the ancient Egyptians. Intermediate Period | 
