(Merpubia, Enezib, Anedjib) (fl. c. 2700 B.C.E.) Fifth ruler of the First Dynasty His name meant “Strong of Heart” or “Safe is His Heart.” ’Adjib is the first Egyptian ruler in the Saqqara KING LIST.
MANETHO, the Ptolemaic Period historian, credits ’Adjib with a reign of 26 years, but he is now believed to have ruled only 14 years. ’Adjib is probably the first ruler to be recognized by most areas of Lower and Upper Egypt as the ruler of united Egypt. He conducted military campaigns to gain territories and to consolidate his position. His principal wife was TARSET, or Betresh, the mother of his heir, SEMERKHET.
He built two tomb complexes, one at SAQQARA and one in ABYDOS, the holy city of OSIRIS, the god of the dead. His Abydos tomb, small and poorly constructed, had stone vessels bearing his name. Semerkhet usurped some pieces after succeeding him on the throne. ’Adjib’s Saqqara tomb was decorated in the “palace facade” style, a unique design of recessed panels.
