Qaa

Qaa ruled Egypt as the last king of the First Dynasty during the Early Dynastic Period. He reigned from Memphis for about thirty years, from around 2870 BC to 2840 BC, though dates from this epoch remain uncertain by approximately fifty years. His rule concluded a line of rulers who had guided the newly unified state for over two centuries.

His reign preceded the Second Dynasty, which saw the royal burial grounds shift northward toward Saqqara. Little is preserved regarding political events during his rule, though the administrative structure of the unified kingdom appears to have functioned smoothly. No royal mummy from this period has survived.

Scholars know of Qaa through clay seal impressions, king lists compiled in later dynasties, and findings from his final resting place. His burial complex, known as Tomb Q, was established at Umm el-Qa'ab near Abydos, where finely carved funerary stelae bearing his name were discovered.

Monuments

• Tomb Q at Abydos
• Funerary stelae from Abydos

Explore further

Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.