Answer:
The era in which Egypt reached its zenith as a world power is known as The New Kingdom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The New Kingdom of Egypt, also referred to as the Egyptian Empire, spanned from the 16th century BC to the 11th century BC. It was the third and final period of ancient Egyptian history, following the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom. This era marked a significant shift in Egypt's political, military, and cultural influence, establishing Egypt as a dominant power in the ancient world.
The New Kingdom began with the expulsion of the Hyksos, a group of foreign rulers who had occupied Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period. Ahmose I, the founder of the 18th Dynasty, led the successful campaign against the Hyksos and established a new dynasty that would rule over Egypt for more than 150 years.
Under the New Kingdom pharaohs, Egypt experienced unprecedented military success and territorial expansion. The pharaohs of this era were renowned for their military prowess and strategic campaigns. They conducted numerous military expeditions into neighboring regions such as Nubia (present-day Sudan), Canaan (modern-day Israel and Palestine), and Syria. These conquests allowed Egypt to establish control over vast territories and amass great wealth through tribute and trade.
One of the most famous pharaohs of the New Kingdom was Thutmose III, often referred to as the "Napoleon of Egypt." He expanded Egypt's borders to their greatest extent, reaching as far north as modern-day Turkey and as far south as Sudan. Thutmose III's military campaigns were meticulously recorded on temple walls at Karnak and Luxor, providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian warfare and conquest.
Another notable pharaoh of the New Kingdom was Amenhotep IV, who later changed his name to Akhenaten. He introduced a religious revolution by promoting worship of a single deity, Aten, instead of the traditional polytheistic beliefs. Akhenaten's reign marked a significant departure from the established religious practices and led to the construction of a new capital city called Amarna. However, his reforms were short-lived, and after his death, Egypt returned to its traditional religious beliefs.
The New Kingdom also witnessed remarkable cultural achievements. It was during this period that some of the most iconic structures in ancient Egypt were built, including the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the mortuary temples in Thebes (modern-day Luxor), and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried. The art and architecture of the New Kingdom reflected grandeur, opulence, and a sense of divine authority.
In addition to military conquests and cultural achievements, the New Kingdom saw advancements in administration, trade, and diplomacy. The pharaohs established efficient bureaucratic systems to govern their expanding empire. They maintained diplomatic relations with other powerful civilizations of the time, such as the Hittites and Mitanni. Trade flourished, with Egypt exporting goods such as gold, papyrus, linen, and luxury items like jewelry and perfumes.
However, despite its glory and power, the New Kingdom eventually declined due to various factors. Internal conflicts, economic instability, and external invasions weakened Egypt's control over its territories. The Sea Peoples, a confederation of maritime raiders from the eastern Mediterranean region, posed a significant threat to Egypt's coastal cities. Eventually, Egypt fell into a period known as the Third Intermediate Period.
In conclusion, The New Kingdom was the era in which Egypt reached its zenith as a world power. It was characterized by military conquests, territorial expansion, cultural achievements, and advancements in administration and trade. The pharaohs of this period left an indelible mark on ancient Egyptian history through their military campaigns, architectural marvels, and diplomatic endeavors.