Reign ca. 2970 BC (1st Dynasty)

The historical record shows that MerNeith was a queen consort and regent, but she may have been a ruler in her own right for a period of time. Her tomb closely resembles those of Egyptian kings from the 1st dynasty and reflects many of the honors afforded to them, including a large underground chamber, graves for servants, sacrificial offerings and a solar boat.

Her name is also included in a list of early pharaohs found on a seal in her son’s tomb. However, alongside her name on this seal, is the title “King’s Mother.”

If she truly ruled in her own right, MerNeith would be the first female pharaoh and queen regnant in recorded history.