This volume, publishing the proceedings of the Fourth International
Conference on Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt (New York, 2011),
presents the results of the latest research and discoveries in the field
which are leading to a better understanding of the origins of the Ancient
Egyptian civilization. The 31 articles are organised under three major
headings: Tell el-Farkha and Lower Egyptian Sites; Abydos, Hierakonpolis
and Upper Egyptian Sites; Objects and Iconography. Each contribution
provides new insights into the variety of factors contributing to the rise
of the distinct form of the early Egyptian state. Recent discoveries from
major sites such as Hierakonpolis, Abydos, and Tell el Farkha, are the
subject of different articles, but also other sites, such as Abu Rawash
and the area of the First Cataract, are discussed.