Abstract
In the first volume of the Umm el-Qaab series, G. Dreyer has published the earliest known examples of writing in Egypt, found in the tomb U-j in Umm el-Qaab, supposed to be that of an obscure king ‘Scorpion’. Although the new material has been excellently presented, many interpretations will not bear closer scrutiny, particularly the reconstructed scheme of several predynastic kings. Being of the greatest importance for our understanding not only of Egyptian culture but also of the development of writing per se, one should refrain from too far-fetched conclusions. Thus, less far-reaching solutions are proposed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.