Research
5,000-year-old skulls reveal a disturbing secret of ancient Egypt's first kings
The Brief
- Scientists reexamined 46 skulls from early Egyptian royal tombs.
- Potentially fatal head injuries were found in 18 of the skulls.
- The report suggests at least 39% of the skulls studied may have been deliberately injured.
Why it matters
Reexamined skeletal evidence can change how researchers interpret violence and power in the formation of early Egyptian kingship, which matters for bioarchaeology and the study of early states.
Who’s affected
- archaeologists and bioarchaeologists
- readers interested in ancient Egypt
- #ancient egypt
- #bioarchaeology
- #skulls
- #royal tombs
- #forensic anthropology
A 5,000-year-old mystery surrounding the tombs of Egypt’s first kings has taken a disturbing turn. Scientists reexamining 46 ancient skulls discovered evidence of potentially fatal head injuries in 18, suggesting that at least 39% of those studied may have been deliberately…
Timeline
Findings from the reexamination of 46 skulls reported
Fossils & Ruins News -- ScienceDaily
5,000-year-old skulls reveal a disturbing secret of ancient Egypt's first kings