The first unopposed ruler of ancient Egypt was Narmer, also known as Menes. He is credited with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BCE, marking the beginning of the First Dynasty and the Early Dynastic Period. Narmer's accomplishments are depicted on the Narmer Palette, which illustrates his military prowess and the merging of the two regions under a single crown. His reign laid the foundation for a centralized state that would influence subsequent pharaonic dynasties, establishing a legacy of strong leadership, monumental architecture, and cultural achievements in ancient Egyptian history.