“What we begin to see as we near the formal beginnings of what we know of as [Classical kmt] as a state, these communities in upper [kmt], they are coming together in a more complex [cultural] unity. All over the [itrw Hapy]. From the delta, to upper [kmt], to [tA sty, to kAS], etc. [However], cultural unity is not the same as political unity. They are organized in terms of governance into different types of communities.

But at some point these areas in [AbDw, “naqada”, and nkhn] come together to form and forge a larger governance structure. As a result of this governance structure, it yields a different degree of complexity. These larger entities are able to control trade more. They are able to call up soldiers to fight on behalf of the interests of the entity. They’re able to move in sophisticated ways in terms of migration, and to incorporate other peoples in terms of conflict that are not as strong politically.” – Okunini Mario Beatty