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Unification Of Ancient Egyt

Who was the first king to unite Upper and Lower Egypt?

The ancient Egyptian civilisation existed a very long time ago. It started around 3500 BC and probably ended at about 30 BC when the Romans invaded. Although the ancient Egypt was formed in c. 3500 BC, the first unification of both Lower and Upper Egypt occurred around c. 3050. However, historians are unable to determine the first king who united Egypt. There are many theories but after all, they are only theories, which can not be proven.

King Scorpion is candidate number one. He existed approximately 3100 BC. There are not many evidence to prove his identity. The only evidence that supported him was the fragments of a limestone mace-head, which were found in Hierakonpolis. It was found by archaeologists Quibell and Green during their expedition of 1897 – 1898.

The Scorpion mace head had illustrations done on it. On the very top, there are a series of nomes and also lapwings. In the middle-right, there is a person who was drawn larger than anything else. On the lower and bottom part of the mace head, a river can be seen and some small figures engaged in their own activities. The name Scorpion was given as it had a symbol resembling a scorpion.

The mace head itself was symbol of power. The series of illustration of the top of the mace head represents the people of Egypt. In the middle, the large figure symbolised a rather important character as he wore a headdress. The headdress which this person is wearing maybe recognized as White Crown of Egypt. This crown showed that this particular figure may have been a king. The river resembled the Niles. This section of the mace head seems to be referring to the importance of these certain activities which the small figures are completing.

Evidences to prove that Scorpion was the first king to united Egypt are very little. The crown may have resembled a king but the figure was only wearing a White Crown. This mace head could have uncovered the mystery...