DD n°7: The Middle Kingdom(1900BC)

For the historical part of the dev diary, here the link

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=128624562934616&id=10947340484...

In 1900 BC, Egypt's budget was a hole in the wall. The privileges granted to the nobility and the clergy meant that they paid few taxes. The state was decentralised, and this cut off a good part of its income. It is therefore a thirst for wealth that the Egyptian Middle Kingdom has.

Several narrative arcs are present for Egypt at this time.

The question of balancing the budget will push you to campaign against your neighbours, whether it be Sinai, Nubia or Canaan. All border regions are good to take as long as they bring you money. And mines and trade routes are good for that. Fortunately, a new trade will start after a while, with the arrival of merchants from the north. Selling oil and wood, the Minoans will bring you some wealth from time to time via Lower Egypt.

An evolution of the cult of Amun will start to take place. Its priests will proclaim their fidelity, while reinforcing their influence. A rapprochement with the cult of Ra is to be expected. Moreover, your potential conquest of Nubia will convert the locals to your gods, those of the Nile, once and for all.

Finally, it has been almost three centuries since a flow of migrants from Canaan has been taking place in Lower Egypt. And your plans to increase your income are likely to increase their number. Managing your relationship with them will become increasingly important.

For who knows, the Canaanites may one day be important players in Egypt, in the Second Intermediate Period for example.