The Protodynastic Period of Egypt (generally dated 3200 BCE to 3000 BCE) refers to the period at the very end of the Predynastic Period.

It is equivalent to the archaeological phase known as Naqada III.

It is also known as the Late Predynastic Period or Dynasty 0.The Narmer Palette, thought to mark the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt; note the images of Hathor at the top and bottom, as well as the lionesses, symbols of Sekhmet, forming the central intertwined imageThe Protodynastic Period in ancient Egypt is characterized by an ongoing process of political unification, culminating in the formation of a single state to begin the Early Dynastic Period.

Furthermore, it is during this time that the Egyptian language was first recorded in hieroglyphs.

There is also strong archaeological evidence of Egyptian settlements in southern Kanaan during the Protodynastic Period, which are regarded as colonies or trading entrepôts.State formation begins during this era and perhaps even earlier.

Various small city-states arise along the Nile.

Centuries of conquest then reduce Upper Egypt to three major states: Thinis, Naqada, and Nekhen.

Sandwiched between Thinis and Nekhen, Naqada is the first to fall.

Thinis then conquers Lower Egypt.

Nekhen's relationship with Thinis is uncertain, but these two states may have merged peacefully, with the Thinite royal family ruling all of Egypt.

The Thinite kings are buried at Abydos in the Umm el-Qa'ab cemetery.Most Egyptologists consider Narmer to be the last king of this period (although some place him in the First Dynasty).

He was preceded by the so-called "Scorpion King(s)", whose name may refer to, or be derived from, the goddess Serket, a special early protector of other deities and the rulers.