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Nagada (Naqada) This is a site north of THEBES,

sometimes called Ombos or Nukt, and a vital resource of

the Predynastic Period of Egypt, dating to 4000–3000

B.C.E. The Predynastic necropolises of el-Ballas and Nukh

depict the evolutionary patterns of this historical period,

which is studied as Nagada I (Amratian), Nagada II

(Gerzean), and Nagada III. More than 3,000 graves were

discovered in this area.

The Nagada I culture is evidenced at the sites where

warriors were buried in simple oval pits with maceheads,

grave goods, and symbols of hierarchical authority. In use

from 4000 to 3500 B.C.E., these sites contained examples

of pottery advances, including red-polished and painted

varieties. Statuettes, palettes, and metalwork show a

social diversity in this region.

The Nagada II culture, from 3500 to 3200 B.C.E., is

displayed in elaborate grave sites, including coffins, mor-

tuary regalia, and multiple burials. New pottery forms are

evident, and there are depictions of boats on the site.

Copper, gold, and silver were used, and there is an

increase of stonework evident.

The Nagada III culture, 3200–3000 B.C.E., shows elite

burial sites and the rise of cities. The SCORPION MACE-

HEAD and other artistic treasures date to this period.

Some 2,000 graves dating to the First Intermediate Period

(2134–2040 B.C.E.) are also at Nagada, which is located

across from KOPTOSand WADI HAMMAMAT. A tomb from

the Early Dynastic Period (2920–2575 B.C.E.) is on the

site as well. Jar sealings bearing the names of AHA

(Menes; 2920 B.C.E.), NARMER (3000 B.C.E.), and NEI-

THOTEPwere discovered there. A step PYRAMIDwas con-

structed at Tukh, with a trapezoidal nucleus and a thick

base. No temple was erected with the pyramid. Vast

amounts of pottery were found at Nagada, representing

styles in use for some 1,500 years. These wares clearly

define historical and artistic changes. Both the elite and

commoners were buried at Nagada.

See also EGYPT.

Nakare-Aba(fl. 22nd century B.C.E.) Ruler of the

obscure Eighth Dynasty

His pyramid was discovered in the southern SAQQARA

complex of PEPI II. The dates of his actual reign are

unknown, but his rule would have been brief, consider-

ing the era. Nothing else has been documented about

him, as this dynasty ruled in the midst of unrest and

political change and held only limited territories.

Nakhsebasteru(fl. sixth century B.C.E.)Royal woman

of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty

She was the consort of AMASIS(r. 570–526 B.C.E.) and sec-

ond in rank to Queen LADICE, the Great Wife of the reign.

Possibly a daughter of APRIES, who was overthrown by

Amasis in a military coup, she was not the mother of the

intended heir but added credence to Amasis’s reign.

Nakht (1)(fl. 19th century B.C.E.)Mortuary official of

the Twelfth Dynasty

He served as the mayor of the mortuary complex of SEN-

WOSRET III(r. 1878–1841 B.C.E.) at ABYDOS. The son of

Khentikheti, Nakht, along with other members of his

family, including Neferhor, Amenisoneb, and Sehetepibe,

resided at the site called “Enduring Are The Places of

Kha’kauré (Senwosret III) Justified in Abydos.”

Nakht supervised the temple complex of the dead

pharaoh, maintaining the royal cult ceremonies there and