Final answer:
The Age of Pyramids occurred during the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt, marked by the construction of grand pyramids as royal tombs and a period where pharaohs held absolute power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Age of Pyramids is commonly referred to as the period of the Old Kingdom in ancient Egypt. This era stretched from the 27th to the 22nd century BCE and is distinguished by the construction of the massive stone pyramids which served as pharaonic burial places. The most renowned architectural achievements of this period are the pyramids, serving as a testament to the Egyptians' ingenuity and the centralized power of the pharaohs at that time.
Following the Old Kingdom, the First Intermediate Period was a time of less centralized power and did not witness similar monumental constructions. The subsequent Middle Kingdom, although it was a time of prosperity and cultural richness, did not emphasize the construction of pyramids like the Old Kingdom did. Instead, the focus was on establishing stability, promoting fair governance, and nurturing commerce. Religious practices evolved, with the cult of Osiris gaining prominence, reflecting a more inclusive spiritual life for ordinary Egyptians.
Thus, when we speak of the Age of Pyramids, we are indeed referring to the Old Kingdom period, which was characterized by grand pyramid-building projects as symbols of the absolute power of the pharaohs who were seen as living gods during this epoch.