HISET Social Studies Practice

What led to civil wars during the First Intermediate Period in Egypt?

1. The rise of foreign invaders

2. Failure of pharaohs to assert power

3. A strong central government

4. Development of new trade routes

The correct answer is: Failure of pharaohs to assert power

During the First Intermediate Period in Egypt, which followed the Old Kingdom, the failure of pharaohs to maintain centralized power and authority was a significant factor that led to civil wars. This era was marked by weakened governance, where the traditional power of the pharaoh diminished due to a combination of social, economic, and political upheaval. As the central government lost its strength, local rulers, often referred to as nomarchs, began to assert their own power over regions, leading to conflicts between various factions competing for control and resources. This fragmentation of authority fostered an environment ripe for civil strife and territorial disputes, thus resulting in a series of internal conflicts and civil wars during this period.