Egyptian Pharaohs
Merneith
the First Queen-Regent
Merneith was an Egyptian queen active in the 30th c. BC during the Early Dynastic period from the state of 1st Dynasty. Died of natural causes.
Historical Note
Likely the earliest woman to rule Egypt — regent for her son Den around 2950 BC. Her tomb at Abydos is royal in scale, surrounded by 41 sacrificed retainers; her name is written without the title 'king' but with everything else.