To step into the city of Nekhen is to take a journey back into time, to the very beginnings of Egypt's history and the whisperings of a unified land. This ancient capital of Upper Egypt, now known as Kom el-Ahmir or Hierakonpolis, began as an important center of political, industrial and religious activity and throughout following dynasties retained its status as the birthplace of the earliest kings.

Nekhen has much to offer, but is probably best known for the cache of ceremonial items found within the remains of the Temple of Nekheny. These items included the Narmer Palette, Narmer Macehead and the Scorpion Macehead and provided archaeologists with vital clues into the formation of a united Egypt. The Narmer Palette is the first hard evidence of an early king wearing not only the crown of Upper Egypt, but also the crown of Lower Egypt signifying a consolidated rule.

The history of the city does not stop there, but reaches further back, and to the west of Nekhen can be found not only predynastic cemeteries, but also the remains of predynastic settlements - the precursor to the city itself. Closer to the city walls is a cemetery comprised of the noble indigenous elite, "The Great Ones", from whom the first kings were descended and it is possible that the jackal-headed figures known as "The Souls of Nekhen" might refer and be a personification of these early rulers of the city.

A bustling city, vibrantly alive and thriving, noisy with industry and reverent in its religion - its nobles forging new pathways and with great vision foreseeing the possibilities and advantages of a unified nation - its people prosperous and proud, the sound of their laughter and wisdom echoing in the streets - it is the city of Nekhen.

Follow the latest about the digs: Hierakonpolis Online