The Art of Ancient Egypt | Publications for Educators | Explore & Learn

Late Dynasty 11	King Mentuhotep II of Upper Egypt reunites the country establishing the capital at Thebes. Monumental building projects resume in Upper Egypt, as does trade with nearby lands.	View of Thebes/Luxor, capital during New and Middle Kingdoms
Dynasty 12	The end of Dynasty 11 marks one of the great periods of Egyptian art and literature, typified by "portraits" of kings and texts such as "The Story of Sinuhe," "The Eloquent Peasant," and "wisdom texts." First king, Amenemhat I, relocates capital to the north at El Lisht. His pyramid and that of his son (Senwosret I) are built at Lisht according to Old Kingdom prototypes. Later pyramids are built at the sites of Dahshur, Illahun, and Hawara. In the Faiyum, new land made available for cultivation through irrigation. Lower Nubia is conquered and forts built at the second cataract. Osiris (at Abydos) and Amun (at Thebes) become known as the most important gods. Imports known from Minoan Crete.	The tomb of Meketre, Thebes (ca. 1985 B.C.) Sphinx of Senwosret III (1878-1841 B.C.)
Wah's Jewelry (ca. 1985 B.C.)	Stela of a Middle Kingdom Official (ca. 1954 B.C.)	Coffin of a Middle Kingdom official (ca. 1900 - 1783 B.C.)
Dynasty 13	During most of the dynasty the administration continues the pattern developed in Dynasty 12. Royal power weakens as a result of very short reigns. Asiatic foreigners begin to settle in eastern delta and Avaris (Tell el-Dab'a) develops as an important center for trade. Many imports found from Canaan. Nubian forts are abandoned after middle of the dynasty.