AI Image
This Mark May Point to One of History's First Female Kings
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- A digitally enhanced 1954 photo of a jar plug found at a tomb in Saqqara suggests Queen Meretneith may have been a full ruler of Egypt over 5,000 years ago, not just a queen or king's mother.
- The enhanced image reveals Meretneith's name inside serekhs, a hieroglyphic symbol traditionally reserved for kings, indicating possible sovereign status.
- Meretneith is linked to First Dynasty king Djer and likely served as regent for her son Den, and this new evidence could elevate her historical status to that of an early female pharaoh.
- Some scholars remain skeptical, arguing the image only clearly shows Djer's name, but if confirmed, Meretneith's extensive tomb complex and numerous attendants underscore her significant power.
