January
19
/ 2024
In the 31st century BC, Narmer, an ambitious king of Upper Egypt, orchestrated a pivotal conquest, uniting both Upper and Lower Egypt and establishing himself as the first ruler of the combined lands. This historic event marked the commencement of Egypt's Early Dynastic Period, a civilization that endured for nearly 3,000 years. Narmer's triumph was detailed on the Narmer Palette, an ancient slate discovered in Nekhen. The palette portrays Narmer in a victorious "smiting pose," a symbol echoing throughout Egyptian history. The hieroglyphic inscriptions on the palette, including the 'serekh,' reveal the earliest known written records. Menes: Legends Say He United Egypt Under its First Dynasty…But Did He Even Exist? Discovery of 5,000-year-old Hieroglyphs Change the Story of a Queen
