Final answer:
The Middle Kingdom of Egypt was a time of reformation, emphasizing the humanity of rulers and a decline in pyramid building. Increased control over Nubia and the prominence of the Osiris cult characterized the period. This era also featured the arts and literature, reflecting a society valuing commerce and justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Middle Kingdom of Egypt
The Middle Kingdom of Egypt marks a period of reformation and stability between approximately 2030 and 1640 BCE. During this time, religious practices evolved, and the ideology of kingship underwent significant changes. One of the most remarkable aspects of this period is that, although rulers still claimed divinity, they also emphasized their humanity, portraying themselves as shepherds maintaining harmony and protecting their people. Unlike during the Old Kingdom, when the pyramids were built as elaborate tombs for pharaohs, no more pyramids were constructed in the Middle Kingdom. Instead, literature and the arts flourished, suggesting a well-developed culture of commerce and justice.
Additionally, the Middle Kingdom was characterized by increasing control over Nubia, leading to the establishment of military forts and the extraction of Nubian resources such as gold and ivory. The influential cult of Osiris became prominent during this period, and the emerging middle class could prepare for the afterlife more elaborately. This era represents a dynamic shift from an aloof divine kingship to one that was more accessible to the people, with increased international interactions and fortifications stretching deep into Nubia.