Artifact · 1st Dynasty

Narmer Palette

Egyptian Museum, Cairo

This ceremonial palette, a large version of those used to grind cosmetics, shows King Narmer wearing the white crown on one side and the red crown on the other.

It was long read as a record of the unification of Egypt. Many Egyptologists now see it as a symbolic statement of royal power, but it remains one of the earliest monuments to name a king.