The Abydos Dynasty: An osteoarchaeological examination of human remains from the SIP royal cemetery

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3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Human skeletal remains from several individuals found in association with recently discovered tombs in south Abydos compose an osteological sample from a dynasty that ruled in central Egypt c. 1650 BC during Egypt's Second Intermediate Period. As part of the 2014 -2015 season at south Abydos, an osteoarchaeological examination of the skeletal remains was conducted for the purposes of determining sex, age, stature, population affinity, and anomalous conditions. The osteological analysis identified muscle markings which shed light on the physical stresses experienced by these individuals. While the examination of the only pharaoh with an associated name, Woseribre-Senebkay (CS9), presents a fascinating ancient forensic case of violent death, his skeleton, and those of the other cemetery occupants, also bear markers of stress on bone which can be traced to certain repetitive physical activities. This paper discusses the results of this examination, which point to men who were physically active and whose bodies show evidence of injury and healing. We propose that the muscle stress markers on these bodies are consistent with equestrian activity. The bearing of this evidence on the introduction of the horse (Equus ferus caballus) to Egypt in the Second Intermediate Period is mentioned.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationXI International Congress of Egyptologists
Subtitle of host publicationFlorence Egyptian Museum
PublisherArchaeopress
Pages276-282
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781784916015
ISBN (Print)9781784916008
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 31 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Social Sciences
  • General Arts and Humanities

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