Early Dynastic Period In Egypt: Unification and the Rise of the First Egyptian Kings

The Early Dynastic Period in Egypt (circa 3150 to circa 2613 BCE) is the beginning of the historical era of the country during which the regions of Upper Egypt (south) and Lower Egypt (north) were united as one country under a centralized government, and kingship was first established. During this period, the divine rule of the kings began, and a recognizable Egyptian culture, including the development of writing, arts, and sciences, developed. The title "pharaoh" was not used during this period; rulers were referred to as "kings" and addressed as "your majesty." The title of "pharaoh" was not used until the period of the New Kingdom (circa 1570 to circa 1069 BCE), when the word pero (also per-a-a) came into use to designate the royal residence and meant "Great House" in reference to the king's palace.