Egyptian Bioarchaeology: Humans, Animals, and the Environment (2017)

Bioarchaeology is the study of ancient biological remains within their archaeological context. Scientific investigations of ancient skeletal, animal and plant material can reveal a wealth of information about ancient Egyptian life, shedding light on diet and health, crop production, animal husbandry and effects of the ancient natural environment on human populations and migrations.This type of research is usually carried out by experts from specialist disciplines such as physical anthropology, radiology and archaeo-zoology; in an effort to find a more integrated approach for the study of ancient Egyptian biological remains, two conferences were held by the American Research Center in Egypt in 2010 and 2013, the results of which are presented here in a series of essays by leading international specialists.The papers include: a preliminary investigation of the skeletal remains discovered in burials under the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep II at Luxor (showing evidence for a high infant mortality rate and for labour-induced degenerative joint disease in most of the adults); a study of the remains of 430 dogs (including 82 beautifully wrapped mummified animals) discovered inside three Graeco- Roman tombs at el-Deir (Kharga Oasis), revealing several different breeds and a wide range of ages; and the potential of dendrochronology (tree-ring analysis) for the dating of wooden remains and in understanding Egyptian human/environment interactions.At Amarna, analysis of human skeletal remains suggest that the depictions of abundance and opulence did not reflect the reality of life for most of Amarna’s citizens, with evidence of malnutrition (Amarna adults are the shortest of any known ancient Egyptian population) and a high incidence of work-related injuries such as spinal trauma. Osteological analysis is also being used at Saqqara to try to identify the unknown woman found buried in the pyramid discovered there in 2008. Originally thought to be Shesheshet, mother of Teti, the study of her bones suggest another possibility. Well illustrated with ample references, this book makes fascinating reading for academics and general readers alike.Review by ancientegyptmagazine dot com