- The Middle Kingdom is the historical period stretching from the 11th Dynasty to the end of the 12th Dynasty, between 2055-1800 BC
- The power of the local nobility was diminished, and pharaonic power returned to its previous glory.
- However a new threat slowly emerged, Asiatic foreigners started to settle in the Delta
- Their numbers increased rapidly in large communities, and their leaders became local governors in their own rights
- Eventually during the Second Intermediate Period the Hyksos settlers took control of Lower Egypt
11th Dynasty (2055-1991 BC)
- Mentuhotep 2 re-established political and social order
- Capital was at Thebes
- Expansion in Libya, Nubia and Sinai
- Pharaohs of the 11th Dynasty
- Mentuhotep 22055-2004 BC
- Mentuhotep 32004-1992 BC
- Mentuhotep 41992-1991 BC
12th Dynasty (1991-1800 BC)
- Amenemhet 1 moved the capital to Crocodilopolis
- Pyramid construction was re-established for the last time in Egyptian history, but the structure was of lower quality than Old Kingdom counterparts
- Important irrigation projects in Fayum led to an increase in food production
- After the death the reign of Queen Sobekneferu Egypt was divided, and entered the Second Intermediate Period
- Pharaohs of the 12th dynasty
- Amenemhet 11991-1962 BC
- Senusret 11971-1926 BC
- Amenemhet 21926-1887 BC
- Senusret 21897-1878 BC
- Senusret 31878-1839 BC
- Amenemhet 31839-1815 BC
- Amenemhet 41815-1806 BC
- Sobekneferu1806-1800 BC
