Early Dynastic Period of Egypt | Thinite Period

What is the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt?

The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt, also known as the Thinite Period, refers to the period in ancient Egyptian history from about 3150–2650 BC. This was the era in which Egypt became a united country under the rule of one king and a centralized government. The Archaic period in Egyptian history immediately followed the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, c. 3150 BC.

This Thinite Period comprised the first two dynasties of ancient Egyptian history, during which many of the major aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, and society emerged. The Archaic Period is characterized by the emergence of the kingdoms as a political unit, the development of an alphabet, and the rise of literature and art.

Why it is called the Thinite Dynasty?

The Early Dynastic Period is called Thinite Period because it originated in the south of Egypt in Thinis city. The Thinis city is supposed to be the city of the kings of the Archaic Period near Abydos in Sohag.

How long did the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt last?

The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt lasted from about 3150 to 2650 BCE, some 500 years. This period was characterized by the development of writing, which was used to record laws, religious texts, and other important information.

What was the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt famous for?

The Early Dynastic Period of Egypt is most famous for the construction of Mastabas with sun-dried bricks.

The gods such as God Horus and God Seth became widespread in Egypt

The writing system was developed especially in the second Dynasty during the Peribsen era.

The capital of the united Egypt moved from Thinis to Memphis in lower Egypt.

Kings of the first dynasty were buried in Abydos while most of the second dynasty kings were buried in Memphis.

Narmer Palette in the Egyptian Museum is one of the most important historical documents.

Pharaoh’s officials of the First and Second Dynasty kings built their tombs at Saqqara

Why did the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt fall?

The early dynastic period consisted of the first two dynasties lasting around 500 years. This period is a poorly known phase as we do not have a lot of documents from that era. The main source of evidence is part of Palermo stone and the finding from the tombs at Abydos and Saqqara.

According to Manetho, the 2^nd Dynasty consist of 9 kings ruling for about 300 years we do not know for sure how the dynasty ended but we can guess it was a war between upper and lower Egypt.

Who is the first pharaoh of the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt?

Egyptian civilization begins with one of these 3 names Menes, Narmer, and Hor-Aha. According to Manetho, Turin Papyrus, and Abydos table, the first king is Menes. Most historians agree that Dynasty zero had two kings, King Scorpion and King Narmer.

For the first two names, we found some archeological evidence one called Scorpion mace-head was found in Hierakonpolis. Besides, two more pieces for Narmer, one is the Palette of Narmer and the second is a mace-head for the same king.

Concerning Hor-Aha, In the tomb of Nithotep at Naqada, we found an ivory label with his name and his Nebty name Men which means establisher.

So, historians look at Hor-Aha as the first king of the first Dynasty of ancient Egyptian history.

Who is the last pharaoh of the Archaic Period?

Manetho mentioned that the second Dynasty had nine Kings who ruled for 300 years. Although, the last one of them was Khasekhemwy. The king’s followers married a princess from lower Egypt called Nimaathap to strengthen the good relationship between Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt.

What are the dynasties of The Thinite Period?

The Thinite Period (Archaic Period) also the Early Dynastic Period comprised the first two dynasties of the Pharaonic Period. During these two dynasties, a great development happened and Egypt became for the first time a united country.

All the tiny villages and towns became a union under two independent Kingdoms who became later under the control of one king. Meanwhile, each of the two kingdoms has its own god, flag, capital, and crown.