Early Dynastic Period

Evolution of writing from before the 1st dynasty up to 3rd dynasty

The Early Dynastic Period is period of some 500 years (approximately 3000 BC till 2575 BC) at beginning of history of Ancient Egypt. This time is culmination of formation Ancient Egyptian culture. At that time the established form of government became divine kingship, this will remain same in next more than 3 000 years. Writing evolved from the simple signs to the complex system of few hundreds of signs with phonetic and ideographic values. During this time was establish typical artistic canon that would be unchanged for few thousands years.

Craftsmen have started to use more durable materials. In architecture structures build of brick, wood and reed were replaced by stone. Inhabitants of small settlements throughout country moved to larger communities and cities what was beginning of the urbanism. Reasons for that kind of process could be: requirement for the safety behind city wall, changes in the natural environments, evolution of society beyond its mere agricultural needs and required craftsmen, traders and other skilled personnel, growth in population.

First dynasty of Egypt last approximately from 3 050 BC till 2890 BC. We know very little about rulers of that time. Hor-Aha has led one war campaign in Nubia. King Djet send one expedition to Red Sea. In the time of Den Egyptians has clashed with Bedouin tribe Yesennyou.

Peribsen serekh

About Second dynasty (2890 BC-2650 BC) we now even less than about First dynasty. Hotepsekhemwy, Nebra and Nynetjer are just a names for us because we don’t have much information about them.
King Peribsen has removed Horus eagle from his serekh (squared tombstone with distinguished symbol of pharaoh) and replaced him with his mythic enemy Seth, what represent not only end of tradition but also turn against it. This guides to conclusion of renewal of internal split between Upper and Lower Egypt. Peribsen had ruled only in south, while north of country had independent kings. We even know some names of the north rulers (Weneg, Sened). It is evident that the land was temporarily divided; military conflicts between these two parts are also not excluded. On Khasekhem’s statue, which was found in Hierakonpolis, the victory over the north and the unification of the lands are displayed. His successor Khasekhemwy has on his serekh both Horus and Seth, which says that the short conflict between north and south ended with gathering. Khasekhemwy was ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. The vase with the name of Khasekhemwy, which was found in Byblos, proves the fact that even in that time Egyptians kings had contacts with neighboring lands. Kings of the Second dynasty of Egypt have been buried in Abydos, because there are found many graves of servants that surround the graves of their kings. According to Manetho first two dynasties have ruled from Abydos.

Tombs of the Kings of the First and Second Dynasty in Abydos