New Kingdom

Definition

The New Kingdom refers to the period in ancient Egyptian history from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, marked by a powerful empire and significant cultural achievements. This era is known for its military expansion, vast wealth, and monumental architecture, including impressive temples and tombs that reflect the Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife and their gods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Kingdom is often referred to as Egypt's Empire Period, during which it expanded its territory into regions such as Nubia and the Levant.
2. Major pharaohs of this period include Ramses II, known for his military campaigns and monumental construction projects, including Abu Simbel.
3. The New Kingdom saw the rise of powerful religious practices centered around gods like Amun-Ra, with grand temples built in their honor.
4. The Book of the Dead, an important funerary text, became widely used during this time, guiding souls through the afterlife and emphasizing judgment before Osiris.
5. Art and culture flourished during the New Kingdom, with advancements in sculpture, painting, and literature that reflect the Egyptians' beliefs about life and death.

Review Questions

• How did military expansion during the New Kingdom influence Egyptian culture and society?
  • Military expansion during the New Kingdom allowed Egypt to acquire vast territories and resources, which significantly enriched its culture and society. This wealth supported monumental building projects, advancements in art, and the flourishing of religion. The conquests also facilitated cultural exchanges with neighboring civilizations, introducing new ideas and practices that were incorporated into Egyptian life.
• Discuss the role of religious beliefs in shaping the architectural achievements of the New Kingdom.
  • Religious beliefs played a central role in shaping architectural achievements during the New Kingdom. Temples dedicated to gods like Amun-Ra were built on a grand scale to reflect their importance and to serve as places of worship. The construction of elaborate tombs for pharaohs underscored the Egyptians' beliefs in the afterlife, showcasing their desire to ensure a safe passage to eternity through intricate designs and offerings within these structures.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the New Kingdom has influenced modern understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.
  • The legacy of the New Kingdom has had a profound impact on modern understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization due to its remarkable achievements in art, architecture, and religion. The discoveries of tombs like that of Tutankhamun have provided a wealth of knowledge about funerary practices and daily life in ancient Egypt. Furthermore, monumental structures such as temples continue to inspire awe today, highlighting the sophistication of Egyptian society and its lasting influence on subsequent cultures and civilizations.

Related terms

Pharaoh: The title of the ancient Egyptian rulers who were considered both political and religious leaders, believed to be the living embodiment of the god Horus.

Tutankhamun:

A young pharaoh of the New Kingdom whose nearly intact tomb was discovered in 1922, providing invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and artifacts.

Hatshepsut: One of the few female pharaohs during the New Kingdom, known for her prosperous reign and extensive building projects, including her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari.