1985–1956 BCE
12th Dynasty of Egypt
1985–1773 BCE
The 12th Dynasty is the classic phase of the Middle Kingdom. Amenemhat I founded the line and moved the capital to Itjtawy near Lisht. Senusret III and Amenemhat III oversaw large administrative reforms, Faiyum land reclamation and a chain of fortresses in Nubia.
Literature such as the Story of Sinuhe and the fine jewellery found in royal burials belong to this era. The dynasty ended with Sobekneferu, one of the few women known to have ruled Egypt as king.
- Period
- Middle Kingdom
- Dates
- 1985–1773 BCE
- Rulers profiled
- 8
Rulers of the 12th Dynasty
Best-known rulers: Amenemhat I; Senusret I; Senusret III; Amenemhat III; Sobekneferu. Every ruler profile in the archive for this dynasty, in the order used by the chronology. Each name links to a full profile with dates, background, sources and illustrations.
1956–1911 BCE
1911–1877 BCE
1877–1870 BCE
1870–1831 BCE
1831–1786 BCE
1786–1777 BCE
1777–1773 BCE
Major monuments
- Lisht pyramids
- Karnak White Chapel
- Nubian fortresses
- Faiyum projects
- Hawara complex
Key events
- Campaigns and administration in Nubia
- frontier control and trade.
Reading the evidence
The sequence is well attested by comparison with many earlier periods, but absolute dates remain model-dependent.
Sources: Shaw (2000); Metropolitan Museum; UCL Digital Egypt. See the full bibliography.