This volume, publishing the proceedings of the Third International Conference on Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt (London, 2008), 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. It contains 54 contributions by 67 authors hailing from around the globe. The articles are organised under ten major themes: Settlement archaeology, mortuary archaeology, object studies, technology of pottery and lithic production, early temples, interaction north and south, chronological investigations, potmark research, script as material culture and theoretical approaches. 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, amongst others, are also discussed in detail.