How many kingdoms united to form ancient Egypt?

2 is correct because ancient Egypt was formed by the unification of two regions: Upper Egypt (the southern Nile Valley) and Lower Egypt (the northern Delta). Around 3100 BCE, King Narmer (often identified with Menes) is credited with joining them, symbolized by the double crown (pschent) that combined the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt. Pharaohs styled themselves “King of Upper and Lower Egypt.” To remember: think “Two Lands, Two Crowns, One Pharaoh.” The lotus (Upper Egypt) and papyrus (Lower Egypt) tied together—the Sema-Tawy—stood for their union. Also note that “Upper” is south and “Lower” is north because the Nile flows northward to the Delta.