Sésostris III

The reign of Sésostris (-1878 with -1843/-1842 (Redford, Grimal)), mark the apogee of the Average Empire. This Pharaon remained in the memory of the Egyptians like one of largest of their history.

Fifth king of, Sésostris inherits a country which its predecessors well managed and knew to make thrive during one long period of peace. His/her father Sésostris {{II}} engaged the development of the oasis of the Fayoum by great irrigation and alteration work.

The economic activity and commercial flourishing of Egypt attracts many Asian workers in the valley, and the Egyptian influence is stronger than ever with Byblos, the old friendly city of Phénicie.

However, in spite of their real authority on the country, the first Amenemhat and Sésostris had to be put up with the powerful local nobility of the nomarques ones, whose certain lines were already places from there at the time of the First intermediate Period and who accepted the return of a Pharaonic capacity extremely only on the condition of preserving their privileges. However, their richness and their rooting make fear in Sésostris which they do not manage to weaken again monarchy.

Genealogy

Titulature

Reign

As of its accession with the throne, it starts a radical administrative reform which breaks the capacity of these local dignitaries. The load of Nomarque is removed, and the management of the territory entrusted to three regional ministries (North, South and Nubie). Each of the three ministers is an official appointed by the king, who works under the direct authority of the vizier. This reform involves the creation of many civil service posts subordinates (officers, scribes) which constitute a new “middle-class” prosperous and devoted to the Pharaon.

Out of Egypt itself, Sésostris must ensure the resumption in hand High-Nubie, between 2nd and 3rd cataracts. This southernmost point of the Egyptian possessions then undergoes the regular incursions of tribes kouchites come from the South. The king pacifies the area in four military campaigns, between the year IX and the year of his reign. The border is reinforced by the restoration or the construction of a network of eight fortresses equipped with garrisons. The inhabitants of the province, grateful, will place Sésostris at the row of the local divinities. To North, the Pharaon launches a military forwarding against Mentjiou, turbulent nomads Semitic which regularly threaten the North-East of Egypt. This countryside carries out it as far as Palestine: he is the first Pharaon to carry out true operations of war in Asia. The Egyptian sources mention on this occasion the town of Jerusalem.

Sésostris is made build its pyramid with Dahchour, in the north of Licht, residence of. The archeologists discovered important hiding-places there, concealing many jewels and ornaments.

When it disappears, after thirty-six years of reign, Egypt of the Moyen Empire is at the top of its power and its influence.

Burial

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