From 3900 to 3200 B.C., what had once been small villages grew wealthy and powerful along what is now the Nilotic region in Africa. Two of these villages grew to such power, often due to trade and manufacturing of such items as funerary goods, that they became cities in their own right.

In the north the city of Nekheb established itself, while in the south, Neken grew powerful. Around 3200 BC, rivalry in trade and power turned to war between these two cities. Numerous battles were fought for supremacy of the regions. It would be the forces from the South however who would take the upper hand. Princes and kings from this region managed to consolidate not only their own southern power base but to conquer northern kingdoms, chieftains and territories as well. In time one king would rule over the united southern forces.

Born in the city of Tini West of the Nile to this very king was a young prince named Narmer. Following in his father's footsteps, Narmer set about uniting the southern forces in a final set of battles with the North. Finally subduing his rivals to the North around 3150BC, Narmer proclaimed himself king of both the Upper (southern) and Northern (lower) lands. His newly unified kingdom would be called numerous names by its natives, most famous among them Kmt meaning "the black land" for its rich alluvial soil. Much later, the people of Greece would call it Egypt. And its founder would be legendary.

Narmer's great battles and victories would be recorded on what is now known as the "Narmer Palette." And as one source put it," The unification of the two lands was the single most important event in Egyptian history. It allowed for a centralization of authority that then undertook massive administrative and building projects. Large-scale irrigation projects were begun as well as large-scale distribution of food and regulation of trade."

Narmer Palette Click Here

Narmer's Serekh sign Click Here

One of Narmer's first administrative tasks was to build a city on his newly conquered lands. Here he was met with a difficult task, for the Delta region where he wished to build was covered by an immense swamp. To remedy this situation Narmer commanded the draining of the swamp by actually diverting the course of the Nile River, an amazing feat of hydrostatics that is still marveled at today.

Upon this new land he built a city that he named Men-Nefer: The Good Place. This city served as the capital of Egypt for several centuries.

An Arab traveler writing as late as the medieval era reported the city "stretching a day's journey in every direction." The Greeks would call Men-Nefer Memphis in their tongue, a name that even today honors this African king who lived nearly 5,000 years ago.

Narmer's reign as Egypt's first divine king (a concept which may have originated in Nubia to the south) was not only spent building, but also protecting the newly formed nation. According to ancient writings, Narmer is in constant battle with pillaging and marauding Libyan tribes in the North. His ability to keep Egypt safe from this constant threat and ensure protection and stability to the nation earned him the titles of the "constant;" "the smiter;" "the bull of bulls;" "the terrible;" "the serpent;" and "the hewer." It is said he reigned for over 60 years, one of the longest in Egyptian history.

Narmer's death is rumored to have come about as lively as he lived it. According to ancient accounts following a fierce campaign against Libyan tribes to the North, Narmer is seized and killed by a crocodile or hippopotamus while attempting to cross a river. The two creatures being sometimes associated with destructive forces, it is uncertain how accurate this account is.

In death this first king achieved a status that rivaled even that of the gods: a king from whom all future rulers would trace descent and seek comparison with. Narmer would forever be remembered as the man who forged one nation out of two lands that would last for well over 3,000 years. Even the ancient Greeks who would rise some 2,800 years after his death, would write of great Egyptian king called Menes who many believe was none other than Narmer, the Unifier.

Sketch and explanation of Narmer's palette: Click Here