Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period

During the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, the Two Lands of Egypt were reunified and ancient Egypt experienced significant cultural shifts.

c. 2030–1650 B.C.E.

Beginner's Guide

videos + essays

We're adding new content all the time!

Creation myths and form(s) of the gods in ancient Egypt
Creation myths and form(s) of the gods in ancient Egypt

Egypt’s mythic world, rich with creative imagery, was deeply informed by the natural world that surrounded them.

Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, an introduction
Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, an introduction

An overview of the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period in ancient Egypt

Statues of Senusret III
Statues of Senusret III

This life-size statue of Senwosret III is one of three very similar statues excavated from the site of the funerary temple of King Nebhhepetre Mentuhotep II

Scarab pendant
Scarab pendant

This piece of jewelry from Middle Kingdom Egypt is a pendant in the form of a winged scarab.

Pectoral and necklace of Sithathoryunet
Pectoral and necklace of Sithathoryunet

"You have to imagine that nobody really saw this except the princess."

Statue of an Offering Bearer, Tomb of Meketre
Statue of an Offering Bearer, Tomb of Meketre

"They've captured her in a moment in time."

Apotropaic wand
Apotropaic wand

These magic knives, also known as apotropaic (that is, acting to ward off evil) wands, were one of the devices used to help people in childbirth.

Stela of the sculptor Userwer
Stela of the sculptor Userwer

The unfinished decoration of this stela is particularly interesting: the lower part is still covered with the grid used for ensuring that the proportions of the figures were correct

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

From temples on the east bank of the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, Thebes was a wonder of Egyptian Civilization.

<em>Standing Hippopotamus</em>
Standing Hippopotamus

This hippopotamus, found in a tomb, carries symbols of life and death, regeneration and chaos—why was it broken?

Selected Contributors