Best known as the home of the exquisite ceremonial Palette of Narmer, so-called the first political document in history, and attributed to the first king of the first dynasty at about 3000BC, it contains far more.

Well before the construction of the pyramids, Hierakonpolis was one of the largest urban centers along the Nile -- a vibrant, bustling city containing many of the features that would later come to typify Dynastic Egyptian civilization. Stretching for over 3 miles along the edge of the Nile flood plain, already by 3500 BC it was a city of many neighborhoods and quarters.

Over a century of archaeological research, continuing with the present Hierakonpolis Expedition, has confirmed this vast site's central role in the transition from prehistory to history of the rise of early Egyptian civilization.

Investigations at Egypt's First City continue to produce an impressive number of Firsts-- the first occurrences of objects, practices and styles that were destined to characterize Ancient Egypt. For a quick look click here

To learn more, come and explore the site of Hierakonpolis with Hierakonpolis online, the Hierakonpolis Expedition's official web site.

Read about the latest discoveries at Hierakonpolis on www.archaeology.org/interactive/hierakonpolis .