Egyptian Rulers of the New Kingdom

Egyptian Rulers of the New Kingdom

Trade and Politics

The Egyptians traded wheat, paper, gold, copper, tin and tools to the Phoenicians for purple dye, wood and furniture. The traders exchanged goods they had for supplies they needed, rather than selling goods for money. The Phoenicians in turn traded Egyptian goods to other people. By trading with the Phoenicians, Egyptians spread their food and goods across Southwest Asia. Trade in the eastern Mediterranean helped make the Egyptian kingdom wealthier. Hatshepsut used some of this wealth to build monuments.

Trade and Politics

In addition to trade, New Kingdom pharaohs developed political ties between Egypt and nearby kingdoms. For example, the Egyptian dynasty became joined by treaty or marriage with ruling families in the Babylonian Empire in Mesopotamia, the Mittani in Syria, and the Hittite Empire in Anatolia.

To maintain close ties, pharaohs and the other rulers also exchanged envoys, or representatives. These actions marked the first time in history that a group of nations tried working together to reach common goals.

Expanding the Empire

• When Hatshepsut died, her nephew, Thutmose III took over. Thutmose destroyed statues and artwork of his Aunt to erase her presence.

• Thutmose was a strong leader and general who expanded Egypt's control north to the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. 

• As Thutmose and his armies conquered more areas, the Egyptian empire grew wealthy, and slavery became more common. 

• Egypt acquired gold, copper, ivory, and other valuable goods from conquered peoples. Egyptians captured and enslaved many prisoners of war. Enslaved people had some rights, however, including the right to own land, marry, and eventually gain their freedom.

Amenhotep IV

• Came to power in 1370 b.c. Supported by his wife, Nefertiti, Amenhotep tried to change Egypt's religion to polytheism.

• Amenhotep believed that the priests were too wealthy, and wanted to limit their power.

• He introduced the worship of Aton, the sun god, as Egypt's only god. He fired priests who did not support him.

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Multiple Choice

Amenhotep IV wanted to change Egypt's religion from monotheistic to polytheistic.

• True

• False

Amenhotep IV A Religious Founder

• Amenhotep changed his name to Akhenaton, meaning "Spirit of Aton." The capital was moved to a new city north of Thebes called Akhetaton

• These changes were not popular with Egyptians, and most continued to worship multiple gods.

• Akhenaton was a weak leader, and Egypt lost most of its' land.

Who Was King Tut?

Akhenaton died in 1360 B.C, leaving his ten year old son, Tutankhamen, to inherit the throne.

The young pharaoh relied on priests and other government officials to rule.

King Tutankhamen's Rule

As pharaoh, Tutankhamen worked to undo laws created by his father. His first action was to restore the worship of many deities. King Tut only ruled for nine years before his untimely death. We are not sure what caused his death for sure.

Even though "King Tut," played a small role in the history of Egypt, he is the most famous of the pharaohs. British archaeologist Howard Carter attracted public attention when he discovered Tut's tomb in 1922. Carter's find was amazing because most tombs of the pharaohs had been robbed by thieves. Tut's tomb, however, contained the pharaoh's mummy and many treasures, including a brilliant gold mask of the young ruler's face.

The Discovery of King Tut

Open Ended

Why are Akhenaton and Tutankhamen considered unusual pharaohs?

Recovery and Decline of Egypt

• During the 1200s b.c., the pharaohs worked to restore Egypt's greatness. They fought battles for more territory, increased Egypt's wealth through trade, and built large temples and monuments.

• The most successful of these pharaohs was Ramses II , who ruled from 1279 b.c. to 1213 b.c. Ramses conquered the region of Canaan and moved north into Syria. To get this territory, he fought the Hittites, who lived in present-day Turkey. After many battles, Ramses and the Hittite king signed a peace treaty.

Age of Temples

• During his 66-year reign, Ramses also devoted himself to peaceful activities. Ramses II and other New Kingdom rulers had many temples built throughout Egypt. One of the most magnificent was Karnak at Thebes. Its huge columned hall still impresses visitors today.

• After Ramses died, Egypt fell into decline again. Pharaohs entered into costly wars-and lost. Finally, in 670 B.C, Egypt was taken over by the Assyrians

Open Ended

Describe the religious changes brought about by Akhenaton and Tutankhamen.

Open Ended

In what ways were temples important to Egypt's economy?