New Kingdom

(c. 1550–1069 BC)

   The term used by Egyptologists to describe the period from Dynasty 18 to Dynasty 20 when Egypt was at the height of its power and prosperity and ruled an empire covering Nubia and Palestine-Syria. The era began with the expulsion of the Hyksosfrom Egypt and the reunion of the country under Ahmose I and ended with the Second Intermediate Period. There followed the expansion into Nubia and the Levant, culminating in the campaigns of Thutmose III. The increased wealth generated by these conquests led to major building campaigns, notably at Karnak and later under Ramesses II at Pi-Ramesses, Abu Simbel, and other sites. The god of Thebes,Amun, was elevated to the head of the divine pantheon. Increasing political and economic instability and aggressive external threats led to the gradual abandonment of the empire by the end of Dynasty 20 and the division of the country, heralding the Third Intermediate Period.

   See also Middle Kingdom; Old Kingdom; Warfare.

Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier