This volume, publishing the proceedings of the Fifth International
Conference on Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt (Cairo, 2014),
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 39 articles are organised under five
major headings: Settlements and Domestic Activities; Mortuary
Archaeology; Technology: Pottery and Lithic Production; Iconography and
Writing; Rock Art. 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 Buto, are the subject of different articles,
but also other sites, such as Abu Rawash and the Naqada region, are
discussed.