Abydos

Old Photograph Revives Debate Over One of Egypt’s Earliest Female Rulers

A 72-year-old photograph of ancient hieroglyphics is drawing fresh attention to Meretneith, a powerful woman from Egypt’s First Dynasty who may have ruled as one of history’s earliest female kings. Researchers say the image preserves details that are difficult to read on the original monument today, strengthening the case that she held exceptional authority more than 5,000 years ago. The finding adds new weight to a long-running debate over how early Egyptian power was shared, inherited, and recorded.