Den (pharaoh) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Den |
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| Udimu, Dewen | |
“MacGregor-Label” from Den's tomb in Abydos, EA 55586
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| Pharaoh | |
| Reign | 42 years, starting c. 2970 BC (1st Dynasty) |
| Coregency | Merneith |
| Predecessor | Djet, Merneith |
| Successor | Anedjib |
| Consort | Seshemetka, Semat, Serethor, Nakht-Neith ? Qua-Neith ? |
| Father | Djet |
| Mother | Merneith |
| Burial | Tomb T, Umm El Qa'ab |
Den, also known as Hor-Den, Dewen and Udimu, was a powerful pharaoh of ancient Egypt. He ruled during the First Dynasty of Egypt, a very early period in Egyptian history. Archaeologists have found more evidence about Den than any other ruler from this time.
Den's reign brought good times to his kingdom. Many new ideas and ways of doing things are linked to his rule. He was the first pharaoh to use the important title "King of Upper and Lower Egypt." He was also the first to be shown wearing the double crown, which combined the red and white crowns of both parts of Egypt.
Contents
Who Was Pharaoh Den?
Den was a pharaoh from the Early Dynastic Period of ancient Egypt. This was a time when Egypt was just starting to become a unified country. His rule was very important for shaping how future pharaohs would govern.
His Family and Early Life
Den's father was Djet, who was also a pharaoh. His mother was Merneith, a very important queen. Some historians believe Merneith might have even ruled Egypt herself for a short time before Den became pharaoh.
A Long and Prosperous Reign
Den ruled Egypt for about 42 years, starting around 2970 BC. This was a very long time for a ruler in ancient Egypt. During his reign, Egypt became more prosperous, meaning people had better lives and the country grew stronger.
He was known for bringing many new ideas and improvements to Egypt. For example, the floor of his tomb at Umm El Qa'ab near Abydos was made of red and black granite. This was the first time such a hard stone was used for building in Egypt.
Important Innovations and Titles
Pharaoh Den made several lasting changes:
- He was the first to use the title "King of Upper and Lower Egypt." This showed that he ruled over both parts of the country.
- He was the first pharaoh shown wearing the double crown. This crown symbolized his control over both Upper (southern) and Lower (northern) Egypt.
- He set up many customs and traditions for the royal court. These traditions were followed by pharaohs who came after him.
Den was highly respected by the pharaohs who ruled right after him. His rule helped to establish many of the ways that ancient Egyptian kings would live and govern for thousands of years.
Images for kids
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Sepati, cartouche name of Den in the Abydos king list.
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Fragment of an ivory label showing pharaoh Den wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Discovered in the tomb of Den, now in the Egyptian Museum.
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Ebony label EA 32650 from Den's tomb. This label shows King Den in different scenes, including a special ceremony and reports about events during his reign.
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A section from the Cairostone fragment C5 showing years 18–22 of Den's reign.
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The reconstructed entrance to "Tomb T" at Umm el-Qa'ab in Abydos, the tomb of Den.
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The face of a statue depicting Den, found inside his tomb.
See also
In Spanish: Den para niños
