4.2 New Kingdom expansion and imperial policies

Egypt's New Kingdom expansion marked a period of unprecedented military and political power. Pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II led campaigns into Nubia and the Levant, securing valuable resources and trade routes.

This imperial policy reshaped Egypt's economy and society. The influx of wealth and foreign influences led to a more cosmopolitan culture, while the need to administer conquered territories spurred the growth of a complex bureaucracy and military.

New Kingdom Expansion

Key pharaohs of New Kingdom

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• Ahmose I
  • Defeated the Hyksos expelled them from Egypt reuniting the country under native Egyptian rule
  • Campaigned in Nubia subduing the region and the Levant expanding Egypt's influence
• Thutmose I
  • Expanded Egyptian control into Syria-Palestine through military campaigns
  • Reached the Euphrates River marking the farthest extent of Egyptian conquest at the time
• Thutmose III
  • Conducted 17 successful military campaigns in the Levant solidifying Egypt's control over the region
  • Decisive victory at the Battle of Megiddo against a coalition of Canaanite city-states (Kadesh, Megiddo)
  • Established Egypt's firm control over Syria-Palestine through a combination of military force and diplomacy
• Amenhotep II
  • Maintained Egyptian control over the Levant through military campaigns and diplomatic measures
  • Campaigned in Nubia securing the region's valuable resources (gold, ivory) for Egypt
• Ramesses II
  • Fought the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, the largest chariot battle in history, resulting in a stalemate
  • Signed the world's first known peace treaty with the Hittites, the Treaty of Kadesh, establishing a balance of power

Motives for Egyptian expansion

• Securing trade routes and access to valuable resources
  • Copper, tin, and cedar wood from the Levant essential for bronze production and construction
  • Gold, ivory, ebony, and other luxury goods from Nubia prized by the Egyptian elite
• Establishing buffer zones against potential threats to Egypt's security
  • Mitanni kingdom in the north posed a challenge to Egyptian influence in Syria-Palestine
  • Nubian kingdoms in the south threatened Egypt's southern border and access to resources
• Enhancing the prestige and power of the pharaoh and the Egyptian state
  • Military victories served as a means of legitimizing the pharaoh's rule and divine authority
  • Tribute, booty, and captives from conquered territories boosted the wealth and status of Egypt

Administration of conquered territories

• Appointment of Egyptian officials to govern and administer conquered lands
  • Viceroys (King's Son of Kush) oversaw the administration of Nubia and its resources
  • Governors and administrators were appointed in the Levant to ensure loyalty and collect tribute
• Establishment of military garrisons and fortresses to maintain control and security
  • Fortresses like Buhen in Nubia served as bases for the Egyptian army and administration
  • Outposts like Beth Shan in the Levant helped to monitor and control the local population
• Exploitation of local resources and labor for the benefit of the Egyptian state
  • Mining and quarrying operations in Nubia and the Sinai (gold, copper, turquoise)
  • Agricultural production and tribute from the fertile lands of the Levant (grain, wine, oil)
• Adoption of local elites into the Egyptian hierarchy to ensure loyalty and cooperation
  • Intermarriage between Egyptian officials and local elites created ties and alliances
  • Education of foreign princes in Egypt (Kap) fostered cultural assimilation and political loyalty

Impact of imperialism on Egypt

• Influx of wealth and exotic goods from conquered territories enriched the Egyptian economy
  • Gold, ivory, and other luxury items from Nubia (ebony, ostrich feathers, animal skins)
  • Stimulation of trade and commerce along the Nile and the Mediterranean coast (Byblos, Ugarit)
• Influence of foreign cultures and artistic styles on Egyptian art and architecture
  • Adoption of Nubian and Levantine motifs and styles in Egyptian art (minor arts, jewelry)
  • Incorporation of foreign deities into the Egyptian pantheon (Baal, Astarte, Resheph)
• Social and political changes within Egyptian society due to imperial expansion
  • Rise of a professional army and bureaucracy to administer and defend the empire
  • Increased power and influence of the priesthood, particularly the cult of Amun
  • Shifts in land ownership and economic structure favoring the state and the elite
• Linguistic and cultural exchange between Egypt and its conquered territories
  • Spread of the Egyptian language and hieroglyphic writing system in the Levant
  • Adoption of foreign loanwords (Canaanite) and technologies (horse-drawn chariots) in Egypt

Imperial Policies and Control

Administration of conquered territories

• Establishment of a provincial system to govern and administer conquered lands
  • Division of Nubia into Upper and Lower Nubia (Wawat and Kush) under Egyptian control
  • Organization of the Levant into administrative districts (Gaza, Amurru, Upe) for effective governance
• Appointment of local vassals and rulers to ensure loyalty and cooperation
  • Loyalty ensured through oaths of allegiance, regular payment of tributes, and exchange of hostages
  • Supervision by Egyptian officials (commissioners) and inspectors (courier officials) to monitor compliance
• Imposition of taxes, tributes, and labor obligations on conquered populations
  • Annual deliveries of gold, ivory, and other valuable resources from Nubia and the Levant
  • Conscription of local populations for military service and building projects (temples, palaces)
• Maintenance of a strong military presence to deter rebellions and protect trade routes
  • Garrisons and fortresses strategically placed throughout the empire (Buhen, Beth Shan, Kumma)
  • Swift suppression of rebellions and uprisings through military force and punitive campaigns

Impact of imperialism on Egypt

• Development of a more cosmopolitan and diverse society due to cultural exchange
  • Presence of foreign immigrants, merchants, and craftsmen in Egyptian cities (Thebes, Memphis)
  • Adoption of new fashions, hairstyles, and accessories from the Levant and Nubia (wigs, jewelry)
• Economic benefits and challenges resulting from imperial expansion and control
  • Increased wealth and access to exotic goods and resources from conquered territories
  • Strain on Egyptian resources due to the costs of military campaigns and building projects
  • Dependence on foreign trade and tribute for the maintenance of the Egyptian economy
• Religious and ideological changes reflecting Egypt's imperial status and power
  • Emphasis on the pharaoh as a divine warrior and conqueror, upholder of cosmic order (maat)
  • Incorporation of foreign gods and religious practices into the Egyptian belief system (Astarte, Qadesh)
  • Glorification of military achievements and conquests in art and literature (Annals of Thutmose III)