Definition: In Egyptian legend, the first king of Egypt is said to have been Menes. This is the form of the king's name that was used by the 3rd century B.C. historian Manetho, who says the dynasty Menes began had 8 kings. Manetho says Menes met his end by being carried off by a hippo. The Greek historian Herodotus refers to Menes as Min. The Jewish historian Josephus used Minaios and Diodorus Siculus called him Manas, the first law-giver. There are various etymologies for the name including an attempt to connect Menes with the name of the city he founded, Memphis, which he reclaimed by means of dam construction. The Roman Pliny says Menes invented writing. First dynasty kings Narmer and Aha have been associated with the legendary Menes.
Source: Steve Vinson "Menes" The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt. Ed. Donald B. Redford, Oxford University Press, Inc.,
