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MB IA or EB IV (2300-2000) INTERMEDIATE BRONZE AGE
Dramatic changes in the urbanized societal structures of the Early Bronze Age--many sites destroyed or abandoned for centuries -- e.g. Arad, Ai, Hebron, Yarmuth.
Transition to semi-nomadic / pastoralist / sedentism lifestyle.
Regional population shift in Cent. & West. Negev--numerous small villages w/substantial cemeteries.
Egypt--significant cultural decline due to (1) internal strife of socio-economic factors & decentralization, incl. conflict betw. Herakleopolis & Thebes, (2) external pressure from incursion of "Asiatics" from Hurru, Retenu & beyond; (3) breakdown in trade with Asia -- "First Intermediate Period"
Sumer and Akkad collapse due to (1) struggle between the city-states of S. Mesopotamia,
(2) Amorite, Elamite, and other movements, (3) breakdown of int'l trade relationships.
Syria regional varied results. Ugarit--EB III civilization collapses, w/ slow redevelopment. Byblos-- recovery immediate w/continuity in S. at Bab-edh-Dhra. Major EB III cities like Megiddo reduced to small unwalled villages.
Cause?? Amorites (incl. patriarchs)? - W. F. Albright. Indo-Europeans? - C. Schaeffer. Indigenous population shift/decline, including socio-economic factors? - W. Dever, S. Richard.

MIDDLE KINGDOM EGYPT (2000 - 1750/1720 BC)

Two Lands Theban pharaoh Nebhepetre Mentuhotep (11th) reunites the Two Lands (by force).
Faiyum Capital 12th Dynasty pharaohs move capital to Faiyum, between Memphis & Thebes.
Decentralization trend in political forces reversed >> pharaonic power enhanced.
Feudal state overseen by nobles and nomarchs
Sinai copper and turquoise mines reopened - limited hedge against the migratory `Asiatics.'
Trade routes open and Egyptian economy flourished.

? of the day for a prank, how far did you read before you realized it was an April Fools joke?