Amenemhet II

Background

Amenemhet II is considered a formidable pharaoh that ruled during the 12th dynasty in Ancient Egypt. There is a nominal amount of information on the reign of Amenemhet II, but some information is available due to several important documentation associated with the 12th Dynasty known as the genut, which described the daily palace operations. The Egyptian historian, Manetho, noted that Amenemhet II reigned for 38 years in Ancient Egypt, long after the wise counsel of Imhotep could have benefitted him. According to most accounts, Amenemhet II is known for his work in foreign affairs by concisely executing certain avenues of his ancestors, particularly his father. Some documents reveal Amenemhet II to have been a pivotal force in the centralization of government of Egypt in that he failed in ensuring government centralization and also worked to keep expansion of the conquests of Egypt to a minimum.

Description of Research

The research will be precisely geared towards understanding Amenemhet II's rule during the 12th dynasty in Ancient Egypt, with emphasis placed on what efforts he exercised to improve and/or hinder trade relations. There appear to be differentiating documents on how Amenemhet II, but by most accounts he followed his predecessor's operations and thus, understanding of his father would have to be examined and analyzed given the conflict in information on Amenemhet II. Essentially, the hypothesis is, was Amenemhet II a hindrance to Ancient Egypt with regard to trade relations or did his efforts in commerce further the civilization? Moreover, information collected for this project will have to be thoroughly assessed given the minimal amount of information specifically on Amenemhet II. Most information analyzed insofar captures a brief panoramic view of Amenemhet II rather than an extensive study, therefore, it will be beneficial to utilize primary sources (books in particular) for this project.

Bibliography

"Egyptian Pharaohs: Middle Kingdom: Dynasty 12: Amenemhet II." Phouka pages: Travelogues, pharaohs, Old Houses, and Irish Gaelic. http://www.phouka.com/pharaoh/pharaoh/dynasties/dyn12/03amenemhet2.html (accessed October 15, 2013).

Johnson, Ken. "A Pharaoh Lords Over a Museum." The New York Times, August 22, 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/arts/design/amenemhat-ii-at-metropolitan-museum-review.html?_r=0 (accessed October 15, 2013).

Mokhtar, G.. UNESCO General History of Africa, Vol. II. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990.

Shaw, Ian. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.