Thebes was one of the most important cities in ancient Egypt. Along with Memphis it was the most populous city in Egypt for much of the history of ancient Egyptian civilization. It was first established as a capital during the Middle Kingdom, but this was a turbulent time in Egyptian history, and Thebes would not become the permanent capital of ancient Egyptian civilization until the Hyksos were expelled and the New Kingdom began.

The city of Lahun is an important archaeological site dating from the Middle Kingdom period. It is one of many cities that was most likely built to house workers who were building the great pyramids of the Old and Middle Kingdom rulers. Most historians believe that the city of Lahun was founded to house workers who were building a pyramid for the permanent repose of Senusret II.

Buhen was one of many fortresses built during the Middle Kingdom period to defend against Nubian invasion. Most of these fortresses were built during the noteworthy reigns of Senusret I - III.

The concept of a “divine middleman” was unique to Memphian cosmology. Ptah was the God of creation in the theology of Memphis. According to Memphian tradition, the Gods give commands and Ptah puts their wishes into reality. The theologians of Memphis understood Ptah to be a sort of “divine middleman” who would carry out the actions of the Gods.

Towns built during this time were organized into a grid system, dividing land into square blocks for buildings etc. 

Senusret III, who ruled Egypt during a period of wealth and prosperity, was one of the most powerful rulers of the Twelfth Dynasty. Among his many notable accomplishments, Senusret III is credited with the construction of a canal which allowed trade and travel to pass beyond the first cataract on the Nile River. The cataracts were a series of shallow, white water rapids that prevented travel along the Nile River to the south of Egypt.

During the Old Kingdom, the heavy materials needed for the construction of monuments were transported from quarries on sledges pulled by men or beasts of burden. Of course, it would have been much easier to use a wheeled-device, like a chariot, but the wheel was not commonly used or known in Egyptian society until after the invasion of the Hyksos.

The fertile flood plains of the Nile River provided perfect conditions for grain farming. Wheat, in particular, was vital to the survival of the Egyptian population. From the earliest times, the Egyptians also brewed beer in massive quantities and consumed it on a daily basis. To the ancient Egyptians, beer was less an intoxicant and more a vital dietary staple.

The Hyksos people are most noted for their influence on advancements in weapons, such as bronze weaponry. Prior to the Hyksos invasions, Egypt did not have any bronze weaponry and did not wear armor. Because of the influence and establishment of the Hyksos in Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt was able to learn and develop advancements in weapons.

The ancient Egyptians marked the beginning of their year with the rising of the Nile, known as the season of the Inundation. This flooding of the area around the Nile was extremely important as it left silt and moisture in the growing land, allowing the Egyptians to farm in their desert country.