The end of the Middle Kingdom in ancient Egypt is often attributed to a combination of internal strife and foreign invasions, particularly the invasion of the Hyksos. During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt experienced a period of stability, prosperity, and cultural flourishing. However, this period was eventually disrupted by various factors that weakened the central authority and made the kingdom vulnerable.
The Hyksos, a group of mixed Semitic-Asiatics, took advantage of the declining power of the Egyptian rulers. They entered Egypt around the 17th century BCE, initially as traders and settlers, but gradually they began to assume control over parts of the Nile Delta. Their superior military technology, including horse-drawn chariots and composite bows, allowed them to overpower the Egyptian forces.
This invasion marked a significant turning point. The Hyksos established their own rule, leading to the Second Intermediate Period, characterized by fragmentation and division within Egypt. The rise of the Hyksos not only disrupted the political landscape but also led to social and economic upheaval, marking a dramatic shift from the centralized power of the Middle Kingdom to the chaos that ensued.
In summary, the Hyksos invasion, coupled with internal conflicts, is widely recognized as a key event that led to the end of the Middle Kingdom in ancient Egypt.