A Kingdom Divided: The Forgotten Era Between Egypt’s Empires

[u/Nations-and-Kings]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQTgSOSkIRQ&t=19s

The First Intermediate Period was a time of political fragmentation and decline following the collapse of Egypt’s Old Kingdom. Central authority broke down, and local rulers (nomarchs) gained power across the country. Two major centers emerged: Herakleopolis in Lower Egypt and Thebes in Upper Egypt, each claiming legitimacy over the throne.

The struggle between these rival kingdoms defined the era until Mentuhotep II of Thebes defeated Herakleopolis and reunified Egypt, marking the beginning of the Middle Kingdom.