Djet

The pharaoh known as Serpent from the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt is more commonly referred to by the name…

By Staff , in Pharaohs , at August 20, 2024 Tags: pharaoh

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The pharaoh known as Serpent from the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt is more commonly referred to by the name Djet or Wadj. He ruled during the early period of ancient Egyptian history, and he was the third or fourth pharaoh of the First Dynasty, depending on the historical sources. His reign is believed to have occurred around 2980 BCE.

Name and Identity
Djet (Wadj) and the Serpent Symbol:
The name “Djet” is often associated with the symbol of a serpent, which is why he is sometimes referred to as “Serpent.” The use of the serpent as a royal symbol was common in ancient Egypt, as the serpent was considered a protective and divine emblem.
The name “Djet” (or “Wadj”) means “serpent” or “cobra,” and it is written using the hieroglyph of a cobra. This association with the serpent may also have connotations of eternity and protection, given the symbolic importance of the cobra in ancient Egyptian culture.

Position in the First Dynasty:
Djet was likely the successor of Pharaoh Djer, who was his father, and the predecessor of Queen Merneith, who may have been his consort and possibly a regent for their son, Den. Djet’s place in the early dynastic chronology reflects the nascent stages of the Egyptian state, where traditions of kingship were still being established.

Reign and Achievements
Historical Context:
Djet’s reign took place during the First Dynasty, a time when Egypt was becoming more unified and centralized under the rule of powerful kings. This period saw the consolidation of the Egyptian state and the development of the early forms of the institutions that would characterize Pharaonic Egypt for centuries.
The First Dynasty rulers, including Djet, were responsible for the establishment of the divine kingship, where the pharaoh was seen as a living god, the representative of the gods on earth, and the guarantor of maat (order and justice).

Monuments and Artifacts:
Djet is most famously known for his tomb at Abydos, a significant necropolis in Upper Egypt that served as the burial place for many early dynastic rulers. His tomb, designated as Tomb Z, is one of the more elaborate tombs from this period, reflecting the importance of the king.
The tomb of Djet contains a stela (stone slab) inscribed with his name and the symbol of the serpent. This stela is particularly notable for its depiction of the pharaoh’s name within a serekh (a rectangular enclosure that represents the royal palace facade), topped with the Horus falcon, symbolizing the king’s divine authority.
Various artifacts, including pottery, stone vessels, and seal impressions, have been discovered in and around Djet’s tomb. These items provide valuable insights into the material culture and religious practices of early dynastic Egypt.

Legacy:
While not as well-known as some of his successors, Djet played an important role in the early development of the Egyptian state and the establishment of royal traditions. His reign contributed to the continuity of the First Dynasty, which laid the foundations for the grandeur and stability of later dynasties.
The symbolism associated with Djet, particularly the use of the serpent, continued to be significant in later Egyptian history. The cobra, or uraeus, became a prominent royal symbol worn on the crowns of later pharaohs as a protective emblem.