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.