Top image: Detail of Narmer smiting an enemy, portrayed on the Narmer Palette, Nekhen, Egypt

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.

Narmer's dominance is further depicted on the palette's reverse side, showcasing a procession and the symbolic union of Egypt's two lands. Another significant artifact, the Narmer Macehead, found in Hierakonpolis, celebrates the unification with scenes of Narmer on a throne and a record of war spoils.

To solidify his rule, Narmer strategically married Neithhotep, a princess from Lower Egypt. The newly unified kingdom, referred to as the "Two Lands," witnessed territorial expansion, the foundation of Memphis, and the popularization of iconic symbols like the Ankh and Djed. Narmer's legacy as Egypt's first pharaoh left an indelible mark on the ancient world.