Question

Before writing your speech, think carefully about what you have learned about the kingdoms of ancient Egypt.

First, state your claim. It should include which kingdom is the greatest, and it should summarize the main reasons why.

Answer 1

Claim: The New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE) is the greatest of ancient Egypt’s kingdoms because it was the high point of Egypt’s political power, economic prosperity, artistic achievement, and international influence.

Main reasons (summary):
- Territorial expansion and military strength: Egypt became an empire stretching into Nubia and the Levant, backed by a professional army and successful campaigns under pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II.
- Monumental building and art: Massive temples (Karnak, Luxor, Abu Simbel), sophisticated tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and high-quality sculpture and reliefs define this era.
- Famous rulers and cultural impact: Strong, well-known pharaohs (Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, Ramesses II) fostered religious developments, diplomacy (Amarna letters), and enduring fame.
- Prosperity and international trade: Expanded trade networks and tribute enriched the economy and supported large-scale state projects.
- Administrative sophistication and legacy: Effective bureaucracy and religious institutions sustained long-term stability and left a cultural legacy that shaped later periods and our modern view of ancient Egypt.