Welcome to Hierakonpolis Online
Hierakonpolis, the City of the Hawk, ancient Egyptian Nekhen, is one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the foundations of ancient Egyptian society.
Best known as the home of the ceremonial Palette of Narmer, one of the first political document in history, and attributed to the first king of the First Dynasty at about 3100BC, the site 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 km along the edge of the Nile flood plain, already by 3600 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 and the rise of early Egyptian civilization, as well as its ability to provide fascinating insights into all periods of Egyptian history.
The website is currently undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment and update. We have many new features planned and not all of the articles are in their final form, but as of December 2012, all have been updated and reflect our current understanding of the site and its various features. Further updates and new entries will be posted over the coming months.