Stela of Nebra

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The tombs of Dynasty 1 and 2 kings stood out for their grandeur and intricacy compared to the simpler graves of their Predynastic predecessors. These monumental resting places were distinguished by stelae, stone pillars featuring the royal name within a rectangular frame. The lower half of each stela mimicked palace architecture's niched facade, while white hieroglyphs spelled out the king's name in the space above - here, a sun symbol (re) accompanied by a basket (neb). At the top, Horus, the falcon-like god and ruler of Egypt, proclaimed the named individual as the rightful leader. Traditionally interpreted as "Re is my lord," Raneb might actually read Nebra, meaning "Lord of the Sun." The use of the formal name Re was unknown until Dynasty 4, so in this context, re simply referred to the sun. Nebra, the second king of Dynasty 2, has limited artistic representation and is mostly known from a few inscribed jars and this stela.