Towns built during this time were organized into a grid system, dividing land into square blocks for buildings etc. 

Senusret III, who ruled Egypt during a period of wealth and prosperity, was one of the most powerful rulers of the Twelfth Dynasty. Among his many notable accomplishments, Senusret III is credited with the construction of a canal which allowed trade and travel to pass beyond the first cataract on the Nile River. The cataracts were a series of shallow, white water rapids that prevented travel along the Nile River to the south of Egypt.

During the Old Kingdom, the heavy materials needed for the construction of monuments were transported from quarries on sledges pulled by men or beasts of burden. Of course, it would have been much easier to use a wheeled-device, like a chariot, but the wheel was not commonly used or known in Egyptian society until after the invasion of the Hyksos.

The fertile flood plains of the Nile River provided perfect conditions for grain farming. Wheat, in particular, was vital to the survival of the Egyptian population. From the earliest times, the Egyptians also brewed beer in massive quantities and consumed it on a daily basis. To the ancient Egyptians, beer was less an intoxicant and more a vital dietary staple.

The Hyksos people are most noted for their influence on advancements in weapons, such as bronze weaponry. Prior to the Hyksos invasions, Egypt did not have any bronze weaponry and did not wear armor. Because of the influence and establishment of the Hyksos in Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt was able to learn and develop advancements in weapons.

The ancient Egyptians marked the beginning of their year with the rising of the Nile, known as the season of the Inundation. This flooding of the area around the Nile was extremely important as it left silt and moisture in the growing land, allowing the Egyptians to farm in their desert country. 

During the early years of the Middle Kingdom, Egypt underwent a period of artistic development. This period is defined by the widespread construction of lifelike sculptures. These sculptures were usually of rulers and were placed in temples dedicated to specific Gods (or to the ruler himself). The sculptures, it is generally assumed, were meant to project power and intimidate any potential enemies.

All of these statements about life-expectancy in ancient Egypt are accurate. At birth, life expectancy was around twenty, but those that survived infancy could expect to live into at least their thirties. It was even common for Pharaohs and noblemen to survive well into old age. Women had a much lower life-expectancy than men, however, primarily due to the inherent dangers of childbirth and the infant mortality rate was roughly fifty percent — meaning half of all children did not survive.

The Middle Kingdom gave rise to more democratic practices in Egyptian politics and society. More interest was taken in the more downtrodden members of society, public works projects were undertaken to benefit the greater good, ordinary people had access to mummification services and civil servants acquired posts formerly held by royals. However, these royals continued to have a strong grip on Egyptian politics. 

The Walls of the Prince were built during the reign of Amenemhet I. They were built to prevent invasion from Asia into northeastern Egypt.