The Narmer Palette contains some of the earliest hieroglyphic inscriptions ever found. It is thought to depict the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer. On one side, the king, wearing the Red Crown of Lower Egypt, marches in a victory procession. Below him, the necks of two mythical animals, called serpopards, intertwine, while being restrained by human figures. They are thought to represent Upper and Lower Egypt being brought under the king's control. On the other side, the king is depicted wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt, about to smite a Lower Egyptian chief. This image of the king smiting an enemy would become iconic of ancient Egyptian kingship, and was still carved on the very last ancient Egyptian temples ever constructed.
Early Dynastic Period, 1st Dynasty, reign of Narmer (c.3100 BC)
Medium: Green schist
Provenance: Hierakonpolis
