Theocracy, Fragmentation, and the Kushite Kings: Egypt after the New Kingdom
Aug 24, 2023
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Explore the fragmented state of Egypt in the Third Intermediate Period after the New Kingdom. Delve into the challenges of studying and understanding this period. Discover the power dynamics in Upper Egypt and the rise of the powerful priesthood of Amun. Learn about the Saite period and the unification of Egypt after the Assyrian invasion.
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Quick takeaways
Egypt remained a formidable power even during the Third Intermediate Period, clashing with other major powers in the Near East.
The priesthood of Amun in Upper Egypt, particularly in Thebes, grew in power and control, evolving from a religious position to de facto kingship in the south.
Deep dives
Fragmentation and Change in Egypt
The podcast episode explores the transition from the powerful New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period in ancient Egypt. It discusses how Egypt faced a world that was both rooted and rapidly changing, as kings came and went, but life in Egypt continued. The episode highlights the scattered buildings and ruins that hint at the changing political landscape, with mentions of the disassembly of old stone buildings near a village and the construction of a new temple. It underscores that even during the Third Intermediate Period, Egypt remained a force to be reckoned with, clashing with other great powers in the Near East.
The Power Shift in Upper Egypt
The podcast focuses on the increasing influence of the priesthood of Amun in Upper Egypt, specifically in Thebes. It notes that the priests of Amun grew in power and importance, controlling vast resources, managing vast estates, and overseeing the massive city of Thebes. The episode highlights the shifting role of the High Priests, from a religious position to holding military and administrative power. It explains how the High Priests became de facto kings in the south, as royal control diminished.
Fragmented Egypt and Decentralized Rule
The episode explores the decentralization of power in Egypt during the Third Intermediate Period. It emphasizes the emergence of regional power bases and the fragmented nature of Egyptian rule. It discusses the formation of different dynasties in various parts of the country, such as Upper Egypt and the Delta, as well as the rise of local rulers at Hermopolis, Hermopolis, and Leontopolis. The episode highlights how power operated differently in each region, with kinship alliances and personal connections playing key roles.
The Rise of Kush and its Control over Egypt
The podcast delves into the rise of Kush (Nubia) as a powerful state during the Third Intermediate Period. It highlights how Kush developed independently from Egyptian models while incorporating Egyptian traditions. The episode discusses the gradual unification of Kush under one line of kings, and their eventual expansion northward, conquering Upper Egypt and Thebes. It describes the interactions between the Kushite kings and the Assyrians, as well as the eventual restoration of Kushite rule in Egypt under the Saite dynasty.
Egypt's New Kingdom, the peak of its monumental building and international power, ended in the aftermath of the Bronze Age Collapse. Once again, Egypt fragmented into multiple smaller states. Yet millions of people still lived and died under the rule of those claiming the mantle of the ancient pharaohs, and Egypt in the Third Intermediate Period was far from a backwater.
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