Djet

King Djet: short-lived ruler of Egypt's First Dynasty, probably in the final quarter of the thirtieth century BCE.

The reign of King Djet, who was buried in Tomb Z in Abydos, was presumably short-lived. This assumption is based on the discovery of an ivory label that indicates the participation of the king in only one Sokar festival. This was celebrated in the fourth month of achet: the season of the flooding of the Nile and the sowing of new crops. It was dedicated to the god Seker or Sokar, who can be identified with Osiris (god of the Underworld) and Ptah (the Creator). The festival, which took place in Memphis, celebrated both the creation of new life (the growth of the crops) as well as pharaoh’s power on earth as a mediator between the people and the Gods. The Sokar festival may not have been held annually, but every six to ten years. If Djet celebrated only one festival, he cannot have ruled very long.

Djet was married to Queen Merneith, who may have been regent for their son Den.

This page was created in 2017; last modified on 20 April 2020.