What is 11th dynasty egypt?

11th Dynasty Egypt: Re-Unification and Theban Ascendancy

The 11th Dynasty (c. 2130-1991 BCE) marks a pivotal period in Egyptian history, specifically the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. Following the collapse of the Old Kingdom and the ensuing First Intermediate Period, Egypt was fragmented and ruled by various local powers. The 11th Dynasty rulers, based in Thebes in Upper Egypt, gradually consolidated their power and ultimately reunified the country.

• Theban Origins and Rise: The dynasty's founder, Intef I, was originally a nomarch (governor) of Thebes. His successors, Intef II and Intef III, expanded their territory through military campaigns against rival dynasties in Lower Egypt, primarily the 10th Dynasty centered in Herakleopolis.
• Mentuhotep II: Re-Unification and Consolidation: Mentuhotep II is arguably the most significant ruler of the 11th Dynasty. After decades of conflict, he defeated the Herakleopolitan rulers and achieved the final re-unification of Egypt around his 39th regnal year. He then moved the capital of egypt from Herakleopolis to Thebes. Mentuhotep II is considered the first pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom. He reorganized the government, appointed officials, and asserted royal authority across the unified land. He also started a period of extensive building projects, including his mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri.
• Art and Architecture: The artistic and architectural styles of the 11th Dynasty began to evolve, paving the way for the characteristic features of the Middle Kingdom. Mentuhotep II's mortuary temple is a notable example, displaying a unique blend of Old Kingdom traditions and new innovative design elements. The styles of art started to move away from old kingdom styles.
• The Later Rulers: Mentuhotep III continued his predecessor's policies, launching expeditions to Nubia and the Levant. Mentuhotep IV, the final ruler of the dynasty, remains somewhat enigmatic. His reign was short, and the circumstances of his demise are unclear. He had no known consorts or children.
• The Transition to the 12th Dynasty: Mentuhotep IV's vizier, Amenemhat, is believed to have seized power, establishing the 12th Dynasty and ushering in the golden age of the Middle Kingdom. The move from the 11th dynasty to the 12th was seemingly peaceful.

Key subjects related to the 11th Dynasty:

• Mentuhotep II: The pharaoh who reunified Egypt.
• Thebes: The city that served as the base of power for the 11th Dynasty and later became the capital of unified Egypt.
• Middle%20Kingdom: The era that began with the reunification of Egypt under the 11th Dynasty.
• First%20Intermediate%20Period: The period of fragmentation and instability that preceded the 11th Dynasty.