HISET Social Studies Practice

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What significant change occurred in Egypt during the First Intermediate Period?

The pharaohs centralized power effectively
Nobles gained control of the government
Egypt conquered surrounding territories
A new dynasty was established

The correct answer is: Nobles gained control of the government

During the First Intermediate Period, a notable shift in power dynamics occurred in Egypt, leading to the increased influence of the nobles over the government. This period, which followed the Old Kingdom, was characterized by political instability, diminished central authority, and local rulers, or nomarchs, gaining prominence. The central government weakened, enabling nobles to assert control over their regions, often at the expense of the pharaoh's power. As a result, rival factions emerged, causing fragmentation within the kingdom. This empowerment of the nobility is a defining aspect of the First Intermediate Period, contrasting sharply with the centralized authority that characterized the preceding era of the Old Kingdom. The increased power of local elites played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Egypt during this time.