The Second Intermediate Period marks a period when ancient Egypt fell into disarray for a second time, between the end of the Middle Kingdom and the start of the New Kingdom. The concept of a "Second Intermediate Period" was coined in 1942 by German Egyptologist Hanns Stock.

What happened during the Second Intermediate Period?

The second of these, known as the Second Intermediate Period, covers the time between the Middle and New Kingdoms from roughly 1650-1550 BCE. As Egypt divided into weakened dynasties at the end of the Middle Kingdom, they were invaded by the foreign Hyksos people, who conquered most of Egypt.

Who ruled in the Second Intermediate Period?

In the Second Intermediate Period (late 13th to 17th Dynasty), the territories that had been ruled by the centralized Egyptian state—including Lower Nubia—were divided between the kingdom of Kerma, the Theban kingdom, the kingdom of Avaris, and possibly other little known political entities.