Merneith

Merneith (also written Meritneith and Meryt-Neith) was a consort and a regent of Ancient Egypt during the first dynasty. She may have been a ruler of Egypt in her own right, based on several official records – if this was the case, she would have been the first female pharaoh and the earliest queen regnant in recorded history. Her rule occurred during the thirtieth century B.C., for an undetermined period. Merneith’s name means "Beloved by Neith" and her stela contains symbols of that deity. She may have been Djer's daughter, and was probably Djet's senior royal wife. She was also the mother of Den, her successor.

Family

Merneith is linked in a variety of seal impressions and inscribed bowls with the kings Djer, Djet and Den. Merneith may have been the daughter of Djer, but there is no conclusive evidence. As the mother of Den, it is likely that Merneith was the wife of Djet. No information about the identity of her mother has been found.

A clay seal found in the tomb of her son, Den, was engraved with "King's Mother, Merneith". It also is known that Den’s father was Djet, making it thus likely, that Merneith was Djet’s royal wife.