The Early Dynastic or Archaic Period was the formative epoch of Egyptian civilization. Its beginnings are a mix of history and myth, relating to the foundation - supposedly by Menes - of the city of Memphis , located at the junction between Upper and Lower Egypt: the first imperial city on earth.

 

From this base, Djer and Den, the third and fifth kings of the I Dynasty (c.3100-2890 BC), attempted to bring Sinai under Egyptian control. Writing, painting and architecture became increasingly sophisticated, while royal tombs at Saqqara and Abydos developed into complex mastabas.

Equally indicative of future trends was the dissolution of the unified kingdom as centralized authority waned towards the end of the dynasty. Although this was restored by Raneb (or Hotepsekhemwy), founder of a new line of rulers, regional disputes persisted throughout the II Dynasty (c.2890-2686 BC).

These disputes probably inspired the contendings of Seth and Horus , a major theme in Egyptian mythology. The Stele of Peribsen shows a temple facade surmounted by the figure of Seth, rather than Horus, the traditional symbol of kings. However, the rivalry between the two regions and their respective deities apears to have been resolved under Khasekhem , the last king of the dynasty - paving the way for an era of assurance.