Lower+Egypt

Lower Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Ta-Mehu// ("Land of Papyrus")

Lower Egypt was the northern-most section of Egypt, the fertile Nile Delta region. Lower Egypt stretched from the area between El-Aiyat and Zawyet Dahshur, south of modern-day Cairo, to the Mediterranean Sea. It was divided into twenty districts called nomes. The capital of Lower Egypt was Memphis. Lower Egypt was symbolized by the papyrus plant, sedge, lapwing, and the Red Crown, and its patron deities were Wadjet, Horus, and Apis.

The two kingdoms of Lower and Upper Egypt were united in 3000 B.C.E., but each maintained its own regalia. Thus, the pharaoh was known as //Nb-twy// ("Ruler of the Two Kingdoms" - alternatively: Two Lands), and wore the Double Crown, each half representing sovereignty of one of the kingdoms.

Important Terminology