New Kingdom Egypt

Overview

The New Kingdom (c. 1550-1077 BCE) represents Egypt at the height of its power and territorial expansion. In 1250 BCE, Egypt remains one of the two superpowers of the known world, ruled by the Ramessides - the dynasty of Ramesses the Great.

The land of the Two Kingdoms (Upper and Lower Egypt) stretches along the Nile from the cataracts in the south to the Mediterranean in the north, with imperial holdings extending into Nubia and the Levant.

Political Structure

Egypt is ruled by the Pharaoh, a god-king who embodies divine authority. The current era is dominated by the long-reigning Ramesses II (ruled 1279-1213 BCE) and his successors.

Key Features

• Divine kingship: The Pharaoh is Horus incarnate, son of Ra
• Ancient continuity: Egyptian civilization is already over 1,500 years old
• Bureaucratic mastery: Complex administrative system of scribes and officials
• Military power: Professional armies, chariot forces, and Nubian mercenaries

Economy & Trade

Egypt's wealth is legendary, built on:

• The Nile's bounty: Annual floods bring black earth and abundant grain
• Gold: From Nubian mines, Egypt has access to vast quantities
• Papyrus: Egyptian monopoly on this writing material
• Linen: Fine Egyptian linen is prized throughout the known world

Major exports: Grain, gold, papyrus, linen, luxury goods, worked stone Major imports: Tin, copper, timber (Egypt is wood-poor), silver, horses, luxury goods

Trade Centers

• Nile Delta ports connecting to Mediterranean trade
• Memphis - Administrative center and trade hub
• Thebes - Religious capital and center of southern trade
• Pi-Ramesses - The great city of Ramesses II in the Delta

Foreign Relations

The Hittites

Following the Battle of Kadesh, Egypt and the Hittite Empire maintain an official peace. Royal correspondence continues, and diplomatic marriages have been arranged. Both powers watch each other carefully across their Syrian frontier.

See: Hittite-Egyptian Relations

The Levant

Egypt maintains varying degrees of control over Canaan and parts of the Phoenician Cities. Some are direct vassals, others pay tribute, some are merely within Egypt's sphere of influence. This control is less absolute than in earlier centuries.

Nubia

To the south, Nubia (Kush) is under Egyptian domination, providing gold, soldiers, and exotic goods. The relationship is old and complex.

The Aegean

Trade with the Mycenaean Kingdoms and Crete is active. Egyptian prestige goods flow north; Aegean pottery, olive oil, and other products flow south. Some Aegean peoples serve as mercenaries in Egyptian armies.

The Sea Peoples

Egyptian records from this period begin to mention raids and movements of various groups from "the islands in the midst of the Great Green" - the Peoples from the Islands. The Sherden serve as mercenaries; the Peleset and others are viewed with suspicion.

Religion

Egyptian religion is ancient, complex, and all-encompassing. Major deities include:

• Ra/Amun-Ra - The sun god, supreme deity
• Osiris - Lord of the underworld and resurrection
• Isis - Great mother goddess, magic and healing
• Horus - Sky god, embodied by the Pharaoh
• Set - God of chaos, storms, and foreigners
• Ptah - Creator god, patron of craftsmen
• Hathor - Love, music, joy, foreign lands
• Thoth - Wisdom, writing, magic, the moon

The gods are powerful and present. Ma'at (cosmic order, truth, justice) is the fundamental principle of Egyptian civilization.

Death and the Afterlife

Egyptians believe strongly in life after death. Proper burial and funerary rites are essential. The wealthy are mummified; even the poor prepare for the afterlife. This creates a massive industry around death and remembrance.

Current Situation (c. 1250 BCE)

The reign of Ramesses II represented Egypt's last great imperial age. But signs of strain are appearing:

• The empire is costly to maintain
• Levantine vassals are less reliable than in previous centuries
• Economic pressures from maintaining military presence
• Competition with the Hittite Empire drains resources
• Increased reports of raiders and displaced peoples
• The priesthood of Amun grows increasingly powerful and wealthy

For traders, Egypt is:

• Wealthy: Gold, grain, and luxury goods in abundance
• Ancient: Traditions and protocols going back millennia
• Bureaucratic: Everything requires permission, inspection, taxation
• Xenophobic: Foreigners are tolerated for trade but viewed as inferior
• Stable: Compared to other regions, Egypt feels eternal and unchanging

For Player Characters

When dealing with Egypt:

• Show deep respect for Egyptian customs and the divine Pharaoh
• Understand that Egypt views itself as the center of civilization
• Knowledge of Egyptian religious practices is valuable
• The bureaucracy can be navigated with patience and bribes
• Egyptian officials can be arrogant but are bound by ma'at (justice/order)
• Speaking Egyptian or employing an Egyptian scribe is nearly essential
• The Nile is the highway - everything moves by river

The Egyptians value: order (ma'at), tradition, proper religious observance, and loyalty to Pharaoh

Trade Notes

• Grain exports are controlled by the state
• Gold trading is heavily regulated
• Foreign merchants typically operate through Egyptian intermediaries
• The best trade connections come through official channels or temple networks
• Seasonal: the Nile flood affects everything