The reign of Djet, the third king of the First Dynasty, marked the point at which the work of Aha and Djer began to come to fruition. The increasing level of sophistication which the society was reaching is indicated by the existence of a vineyard dedicated to the king's use.

Djet's name is spelt with a serpent sign. Although he may not have reigned for as long as some of the other early kings, he is commemorated by one of the supreme masterpieces of Egyptian art, one of the most noble works from any Egyptian period, a monumental stele with the king's name displayed in the serekh, a rearing cobra in the sky above the palace facade which forms the base of the serekh.

Djet is believed to have been buried in a great tomb at Abydos where he was attended by ranks of sacrificed retainers. At least two substantial mastaba tombs at Saqqara and Giza date from his lifetime.