Decline and Transformation of the Roman Empire
... Egypt: New Kingdom During the New Kingdom the pharaohs of Thebes (18th-20th Dynasties) re-asserted central authority over the nomes while pursuing an aggressive foreign policy and imperial expansion. Egypt undertook successful campaigns in the south against Nubia and to the east into Palestine and Syria. Tribute poured into the treasuries of the pharaohs and the temples of the chief gods. Trade brought luxuries and exotic goods from the eastern Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, and Punt. Great mortuary temples sprang up in Karnak and Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings became the site of fabulous royal rock-cut tombs. Some of Egypt’s most notable pharaohs ruled in this era: Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhnaton (Amonhotep IV), Tutankhamon, Ramses II, and Ramses III. But the identification of the pharaoh with Amon-Re greatly increased the power and prestige of the priestly caste, which eventually threatened royal authority. Amonhotep IV attempted to defeat the priests by proclaiming a monotheistic faith and moving his capital to central Egypt. But his reforms failed and did not outlast his reign. During the period of long decline that began about 1000 B.C., the country became increasingly priest-ridden and finally came under the control of Assyrians, then Persians, Alexander, and finally the Ptolemies and Romans. After defeating the Hyksos, Ahmose and Thutmose I reunited Egypt, and began a period of imperial expansion. The latter added portions of Palestine and Syria to the empire. Queen Hatshepsut brought peace and prosperity and increased trade, most notably with the legendary land of Punt, on the southern coast of the Red Sea. Thutmose III earned renown as a conqueror, consolidating Egypt’s position in Syria-Palestine, defeating the Mitanni at Megiddo, extending the empire east as far as the Euphrates and south beyond the 4th cataract. Amonhotep III ruled when Egyptian power and influence reached its peak, but already royal power had begun to erode. The pharaoh’s identification with Amon-Re, the attribution of military success to the Theban god, and the great wealth that accumulated in temple treasuries contributed to the growth of priestly power and influence in the capital. Amonhotep IV (Ikhnaton) attempted to break away from this control by moving his capital to Akhetaton down river and by proclaiming the worship of the one true god Aton (monotheism). Unfortunately, Ikhnaton focused on religious reforms and neglected the government of Egypt an...