The New Kingdom of Egypt
The New Kingdom of Egypt History
The New Kingdom of Egypt (1550-1070 BCE) is widely regarded as one of the most significant periods in the history of the ancient Egyptian state, as pharaohs' political, economic, and, most importantly, creative power reached its pinnacle during this time. Often referred to as the 'Age of Gold,' this period saw architectural marvels, military victories, and a plethora of religious activities that people continue to marvel at today.
When visiting Egypt today, there is hardly a single sight that tourists can see today that does not owe its existence to the New Kingdom, be it the fascinating temples and tombs and the impressive wall art. Some visitors move around on foot in Cairo while others traverse in boats when touring on the Nile, visiting such destinations as Luxor and Aswan and there seems to be so much of this period in Africa that connects with the travelers.
If you choose Egypt Travel Packages, you will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of monarchs such as Ramses II and Hatshepsut Akhenaten while inspecting their productions. Whether you are on a Cairo day tour or heading to Upper Egypt for the Luxor or Aswan Day Tour, New Kingdom has the history boots you are looking for.
The Rise of the New Kingdom
The New Kingdom started after Egypt had secured its freedom in the hands of Ahmose I, who incorporated both upper and lower Egypt during the Eighteen Dynasty. This was the beginning of one of the many stories of growth and prosperity. When order was brought back into the country, Egypt began what is now known as the building frenzy. For instance, temples were constructed in Luxor and Karnak as symbols of the ancient world's rulers' authority and power, as well as their duties to the gods.
Today any tourist going for Luxor day tours gets to witness these historical structures with epitomized hieroglyphics that depict the stories of victory, diplomacy, or even religious beliefs. One of the famous places is the Valley of Kings, which is the royal tombs of the new kingdoms and non-kingdoms, for example, the bust of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Luxor's temples and tombs are the best example of a society that valued both the hereafter and material success.
Architectural History of the New Kingdom
By the middle of the New Kingdom, the Egyptian empire had grown to a size never seen before under a succession of strong rulers, including Thutmose III, the self-styled Napoleon of Egypt, and the Ramsese, especially Ramses II, who embodied Egyptian power and authority. Egyptian civilization had reached the level of modern Sudan and the Levant, receiving the reverse, bringing prosperity and interconnection to the state.
By visiting Cairo museums that preserve artifacts from these campaigns and temples like the temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, which were built to show off power and glory as well as to the gods, people can watch historical videos and get a virtual glimpse of this luxury while in Egypt. Cairo day tours frequently include visits to the Egyptian Museum, which displays the high caliber and craftsmanship of the New Kingdom era through its treasures, including golden jewelry, chariots, and status.
Religious Devotion in the New Kingdom
The New Kingdom was also a historical period with a significant religious component. Amun Ra, the lord of the gods, was supplanted as the chief god, and his temples, particularly in Karna, became important for religious and political authority. Thus, pharaohs were considered a bridge between gods and the population and they demonstrated their piety through constructing more monumental architecture and embellishing various artworks.
Religion could also be seen in art, where artists balance between realism and idealism, painting images of the pharaohs as divine and the lives of the people. Some of these have been depicted on Aswan day tours where visitors tour through temples such as the Temple of Philae and the Rock Temples of Abu Simbel. Sanders and North (2002) state that the brightness of those paintings, as well as the various details, are still incredible millions of years later, demonstrating the remarkable skill of Ancient Egyptian artists.
The End of the New Kingdom Era
Nonetheless, the New Kingdom achieved a number of successes; however, after a while, this empire encountered some difficulties: economic, civil, and even Shirkes (1993: 84) mentions that the empire had to deal with external threats such as Sea Peoples. It is at this point that control was decentralized and slowly the large kingdom that was Egypt began to splinter, signaling the end of exactly what can be described as a golden era. But the New Kingdom left behind many good things that people can only wonder at.
The New Kingdom's presence can be felt both while cruising along the Nile and while visiting Cairo's sites. Thus, the New Kingdom of Egypt is more than just a historical period; it is also the concept and vision of those who built and created it. From the temple of Luxor to various museums in Cairo, this period is still enticing everyone who ever gets to know it.
The New Kingdom—for the traveler, a tourist—is not just visiting well-preserved ruins to marvel at, but the civilization that gave arts, culture, and governance their roots. Whether you are historically or architecturally inclined or just a traveler looking for an adventure, Egypt’s New Kingdom has more in store. Let Happy Egypt be your travel partner on this great tour through well-thought-out Egypt travel packages for a vacation that is as educational as it is enjoyable.