Most of the excavations done in Egypt are focused around burials and tombs, mainly because they are in such an abundance. In our textbook, An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt, they discuss how we can begin to see social stratification in Egypt even in the Predynastic era through burials. The site of Ma’adi in Lower Egypt contains many burials within the site’s main cemetery, Wadi Digla. Within these burials, almost all of them do not contain grave goods. However, there are a few that contain one or two pots, and only one that had eight (Bard 98). Already, this begins to show a stratification, very early within Egyptian culture. In the East Kom at Tell el-Farkha, there is a mud brick monument built in a cemetery that possibly was a burial for a local ruler. Other rich burials have pots with king names from Dynasty 0 (Bard 99). Even more so, this progression of stratification continues. In Upper Egypt, the large cemetery at Naqada contains burials that are theorized to be burials of Predynastic kings or chiefs. These burials, specifically at Cemetery T, are much more high status than the others, with mudbrick linings, and one with the seals of King Aha (Bard 100-104). These are specific to Egypt, do begin to show what we can assume is a social stratification.

Lewis Binford did a cross-cultural study on mortuary practices, ranging across many different types of societies. He said that the complexity of the mortuary ritual should be seen as a status system in the society. He states that while this is not always the case due to cultural variation, there is usually a pattern within ancient societies(Bard 105-106). In the text, it is stated that the mortuary practices of Egypt most likely stem from the practices of Predynastic Upper Egypt, due to the unification of the state. The burials reflect beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. Thus, the goods often reflect the persons socio-political status, since it is even stated in tomb inscriptions (Bard 106). Overall, given the research done by Binford, it is safe to assume that these grave goods in Predynastic Egypt show a social stratification, very early within the society. Scholars have stated that culturally, it can be different due to religious beliefs and the personal beliefs of the occupant. This can mean it can be an unreliable source to judge. However, in the case of Egypt and the continuing practice of lavish tombs of pharaohs well past the Predynastic, we can assume it is most definitely the case. And, that overall, it had its roots before the pharaohs even began their reign.