New Kingdom

Definition

The New Kingdom refers to the period in ancient Egyptian history from approximately 1550 to 1070 BCE, characterized by the height of Egyptian power and prosperity. This era saw significant advancements in culture, art, and religion, and it marked the peak of Egypt's imperial expansion and influence in the region. It was during the New Kingdom that important religious texts and beliefs emerged, shaping the way Egyptians viewed creation, the afterlife, and their relationship with the divine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Kingdom is often referred to as Egypt's 'Golden Age', with remarkable achievements in art, architecture, and literature.
2. Major pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, and Ramses II ruled during this time, contributing to religious reforms and monumental construction projects such as temples and tombs.
3. The period saw the establishment of significant trade routes and diplomatic relations with neighboring regions like Nubia and the Levant.
4. The Book of the Dead became widely used during this time as a funerary text, guiding souls in the afterlife and reflecting New Kingdom beliefs about death and resurrection.
5. The New Kingdom ended with a decline in power due to internal strife, invasions from outside forces like the Sea Peoples, and economic troubles.

Review Questions

• How did the New Kingdom influence Egyptian cosmology and religious beliefs?
  • The New Kingdom played a crucial role in shaping Egyptian cosmology by introducing prominent deities such as Amun-Ra and emphasizing concepts like creation and kingship. This era saw the development of religious texts that outlined beliefs about creation myths and the afterlife. The integration of different gods into a cohesive belief system helped unify the nation under shared religious ideals, reflecting the political power of pharaohs who were seen as divine rulers.
• In what ways did major pharaohs during the New Kingdom impact Egyptian religion and culture?
  • Pharaohs such as Hatshepsut and Akhenaten significantly impacted religion and culture during the New Kingdom through their distinct approaches. Hatshepsut promoted trade expeditions that enriched Egypt culturally, while Akhenaten initiated a radical shift towards monotheism with the worship of Aten. Their reigns exemplify how leadership could directly influence religious practices and cultural developments, leading to lasting changes in Egyptian society.
• Evaluate how funerary practices reflected the beliefs about life after death during the New Kingdom.
  • Funerary practices during the New Kingdom reveal deep-seated beliefs about life after death, heavily influenced by texts such as The Book of the Dead. These practices included elaborate burial rituals and tomb constructions designed to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. The significance placed on resurrection underscores a cultural understanding that life continued beyond death, influencing not only individual practices but also broader societal values regarding morality, governance, and cosmic order.

Related terms

Amun-Ra:

A major deity in ancient Egyptian religion, Amun-Ra was a syncretic fusion of the god Amun and the sun god Ra, representing creation and kingship.

Thutmose III: Often called the 'Napoleon of Egypt', Thutmose III was a pharaoh during the New Kingdom known for his military conquests and for expanding Egypt’s empire to its greatest territorial extent.

Osiris:

A central figure in ancient Egyptian mythology, Osiris was the god of the afterlife, resurrection, and agriculture, whose story influenced funerary practices during the New Kingdom.