Meretneith identified as potentially Egypt's first female ruler

New archaeological research suggests that Meretneith may have been the first female ruler of Ancient Egypt, predating previously recognized female pharaohs by approximately 1,000 years. While Sobeknefru was long considered the first woman to ascend the Egyptian throne, studies published in Prague Egyptological Studies indicate Meretneith ruled during the First Dynasty.

Egyptologist Sue Kelly of Charles University and digital archaeologist Crystal Miller of the University of Bucharest utilized advanced digital imaging techniques to analyze royal seals known as ‘serekh’. By isolating hieroglyphs and inverting colors to create high-contrast vector graphics, the researchers successfully identified Meretneith’s name within these frames, which were reserved exclusively for Egyptian rulers.

The evidence stems from 13 clay sealers used to secure ceramic vessels, originally discovered 80 years ago in the Saqqara necropolis. Researchers suggest Meretneith may have initially served as a co-ruler alongside her father, Djer, before ruling independently for a period that may have lasted at least 30 years. This discovery positions her as a functional equivalent to male rulers rather than merely a queen consort.