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Enhanced photo reveals Meretneith ruled Egypt’s First Dynasty

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Susan Kelly (Macquarie University) and Crystal Miller confirmed Meretneith ruled Egypt during the First Dynasty.
They digitally enhanced a 1940s mud-stopper photograph, revealing Meretneith’s name in serekhs reserved for rulers.
All 13 mud stoppers and the original glass plate are missing, leaving only the black-and-white photograph.
The findings appeared in the September 2026 issue of Prague Egyptological Studies.
Other inscriptions call Meretneith “king’s mother” and note her control of the treasury.

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Story summary

Susan Kelly (Macquarie University) and Crystal Miller confirmed Meretneith ruled Egypt during the First Dynasty.
They digitally enhanced a 1940s mud-stopper photograph, revealing Meretneith’s name in serekhs reserved for rulers.
All 13 mud stoppers and the original glass plate are missing, leaving only the black-and-white photograph.
The findings appeared in the September 2026 issue of Prague Egyptological Studies.
Other inscriptions call Meretneith “king’s mother” and note her control of the treasury.