What was a major consequence of the civil wars among Egyptian nobles during the First Intermediate Period?

The choice of widespread famine as a major consequence of the civil wars among Egyptian nobles during the First Intermediate Period is an accurate reflection of the socioeconomic turmoil experienced during this time. The First Intermediate Period, which lasted from around 2181 to 2055 BCE, followed the Old Kingdom and was marked by a breakdown of central authority and the decentralization of power among rival noble families.

As these nobles fought for control, the stability and governance necessary for effective agricultural production were severely disrupted. The fighting often led to neglect of the land, which diminished agricultural output. Additionally, the chaos would have complicated food distribution systems, exacerbating shortages and leading to famine conditions across the region. Famine would not only have immediate impacts on the population's health and well-being but also on social structures, leading to further unrest and instability.

The other options do not capture the primary consequences of this period effectively. Expansion of territory was unlikely given the internal strife, centralized power was eroded instead of established, and the development of hieroglyphics was a pre-existing cultural element that occurred prior to these civil conflicts. Thus, widespread famine stands out as a direct result of the civil wars, illustrating the severity of the crisis during the First Intermediate Period.