Middle Kingdom

Refers to the second of three great periods in Egyptian civilization from about 2008 to 1630 BCE comprising the Eleventh Dynasty and Twelfth Dynasty; some sources include the Thirteenth Dynasty ending about 1630 BCE. The period is characterized by a revival of the arts seen particularly in the construction of royal funerary pyramids and temples, private rock-cut tombs and their decoration, an interest in portraiture in royal sculpture, and an overall high level of artistry and precision of execution particularly in relief sculpture and painting.