It seems certain that Egypt became unified…

It seems certain that Egypt became unified as a cultural and economic domain long before its first king ascended to the throne in the lower Egyptian city of Memphis where the dynastic period did originate.

Political unification has proceeded gradually, perhaps over a period of a century or so as local districts establish trading networks and the ability of their governments to organize agriculture labor on a larger scale increases.

Divine kingship may also have gained spiritual momentum as the cults of gods like Horus, Set, and Neith associated with living representatives become widespread in the country.

Some scholars suggest that Egypt most likely became unified through mutual need, developing cultural ties and trading partnerships, although the status of Memphis as the first capital of united Egypt is undisputed.