<P> The two kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were united c. 3000 BC , but each maintained its own regalia : the hedjet or White Crown for Upper Egypt and the deshret or Red Crown for Lower Egypt . Thus , the pharaohs were known as the rulers of the Two Lands , and wore the pschent , a double crown , each half representing sovereignty of one of the kingdoms . Ancient Egyptian tradition credited Menes , now believed to be the same as Narmer , as the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt . On the Narmer Palette the king is depicted wearing the Red Crown in one scene and the White crown in another , and thereby showing his rule over both Lands . </P>
the initial unification of upper and lower egypt took place during which period
3000 BC