The Age of Decay II, also known as the Second Intermediate Period, was a period of political instability and foreign invasion in ancient Egypt. It lasted from around 1640 BCE to 1550 BCE and was famous for the rise of foreign powers, such as the Hyksos, who controlled Lower Egypt, and the Theban kings who controlled Upper Egypt.

During the Age of Decay II, the power of the pharaohs declined, and regional governors gained control over their own territories. The central government in Thebes lost much of its power, and foreign invasions and civil wars became common.

The art and architecture of the Age of Decay II were famous for a decline in quality comparing it to the previous periods. Many temples and monuments were abandoned or destroyed, and the use of foreign materials, such as mudbricks, became more common.

Despite the political and cultural instability, the Age of Decay II saw many important cultural and religious developments. The Egyptians continued to worship the traditional gods and goddesses, but new gods and goddesses were also introduced. The Egyptians also developed a new system of writing known as hieratic, which was a simplified version of hieroglyphics.

The Hyksos, who controlled Lower Egypt, were a Semitic people who introduced new technologies and ideas to Egypt. They built new cities, such as Avaris, and established a powerful military. The Theban kings, who controlled Upper Egypt, eventually drove the Hyksos out of Egypt and reunified the kingdom.

Summary

In conclusion, the Age of Decay II was a period of political instability and foreign invasion in ancient Egypt. The power of the pharaohs declined, and regional governors gained control over their own territories. The art and architecture of the period were characterized by a decline in quality. But the Egyptians continued to worship the traditional gods and goddesses. And developed a new system of writing. The Hyksos, who controlled Lower Egypt, introduced new technologies and ideas to Egypt. And the Theban kings eventually drove them out and reunified the kingdom.