King Narmer, the first pharaoh in Egyptian history

Danielle Margareth Piler

PUBMAT | Anthony Beronque

DID YOU KNOW?

A theocratic monarchy was in place in the government of ancient Egypt because the gods had given the monarch a mandate to rule, more likely seen as an intermediary between human beings and the divine, for the monarch was expected to embody the gods' will through the laws and policies established.

As we dive into their titles, the first thing we think of every time we hear Egypt is the word “pharaoh”, right? Well, the ruler was referred to as a “king” during the New Kingdom of Egypt (1570-1069 BCE). However, the title “pharaoh” (meaning ‘Great House’, a reference to the royal home) became more popular and is used more often amidst the governance in Egypt.

Egypt's first central government was established by 3150 BCE when King Narmer peacefully united Upper and Lower Egypt — Narmer married the princess Neithhotep of Naqada to further improve links between the two civilizations after establishing himself as supreme ruler. And to be more precise, the late ruler Narmer governed the first Dynastic Period (3150 – 2613 BCE) and has been considered the Predynastic Period's last king (6000 - 3150 BCE).

King Narmer launched military expeditions across lower Egypt during his administration, suppressing rebellions and expanding his dominion into Canaan and Nubia. He promoted large-scale construction projects, and urbanization flourished under his reign. The late King Narmer was also responsible for enforcing the pharaoh's clothing. Remember those old Egyptian movies that you've watched. Have you ever noticed how pharaohs were invariably shown with a royal beard, sandals, and frequently wore uraeus or a golden cobra as a crown? It was just King Narmer all along. He was the one who started the fashion style of Egyptian pharaohs.

And now, for sure, you’re dying to know how he passed away. Is it because of a disease? Did someone poison him? Well, King Narmer was actually killed by a Hippopotamus. You might think that a Hippopotamus is harmless or something — but you’re completely wrong! Hippopotamuses were, and still are, the most dangerous mammal in the world as they become aggressive and have very sharp teeth. They're also capable of crushing a human to death! Thus, in Manetho's account, he concluded Narmer’s reign with the phrase, "He was carried off by a hippopotamus and perished”.

This unfortunate event happened since Egyptian rulers pictured themselves in battle with them to prove their worth. Later, pharaohs did not hunt like this. Still, it is believed that the early pharaoh did it to show their citizens that they were worthy of their support, allegiance, devotion, and taxation by going on a real hunt.

Indeed, King Narmer brought a huge impact to their lifestyle, especially on Egyptian history — which makes Egypt stand out due to the uniqueness of their country and its intriguing history and secrets.

Reference/s:

https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Government/

​​https://www.thecollector.com/narmer-first-egyptian-pharaoh/