It is important to clarify that the Egyptian government did not have a consistent political philosophy throughout all three major dynastic periods, as each period witnessed significant changes in governance and ideology. However, we can broadly discuss the political characteristics of each period.
1) Old Kingdom: The government of the Old Kingdom (Dynasties 3-6, around 2686-2181 BCE) can be characterized as an absolute monarchy. The pharaoh, who was believed to be a divine ruler, held supreme authority and had control over all aspects of governance, including political, religious, and judicial matters. The pharaoh's power was fortified by a centralized administration that acted as an extension of their authority. The government's focus was primarily on maintaining stability and promoting the construction of monumental projects, such as pyramids, which legitimized the pharaoh's divine rule.
2) Middle Kingdom: During the Middle Kingdom (Dynasties 11-13, around 2055-1650 BCE), the political philosophy of the Egyptian government saw some changes. Although the pharaoh retained overall power, there was a greater emphasis on decentralization and the role of bureaucracy. The government's focus shifted towards promoting justice and welfare for the people. Pharaohs sought to establish a fairer legal system and invested in public infrastructure projects, such as canals, to stimulate agricultural production.
3) New Kingdom: The New Kingdom (Dynasties 18-20, around 1550-1077 BCE) witnessed a shift in political philosophy with the rise of imperial ambitions. The government expanded its borders, engaging in military campaigns and establishing an empire that included territories in Nubia, the Levant, and even parts of Mesopotamia. The pharaoh held unquestionable authority, but a growing class of nobility gained increased influence and served as regional administrators. Despite these changes, the pharaoh's divine status and absolute power remained central to the government's ideology.
It's important to note that none of these periods witnessed a feminist system or capitalism in the modern sense. Women in ancient Egypt enjoyed certain rights and roles, particularly in terms of property ownership and inheritance, but the society was still primarily patriarchal, and political power was concentrated in the hands of male rulers. Concerning capitalism, the economic organization of ancient Egypt was largely based on a system of centralized control, with the state overseeing land distribution and economic activity. The concept of capitalism, with private ownership of the means of production and free market principles, did not exist in ancient Egypt.
Describe the political philosophy of the Egyptian government through all three major dynastic periods.(1 point)
absolute monarchy
feminist system
capitalism
monotheism
1 answer