DNA analysis by the Francis Crick Institute revealed the 3,800-year-old 'shaman' from Upton Lovell barrow was biologically female. Originally excavated by William Cunnington in 1801, the individual stood about 165 cm tall and had arthritis in the right wrist consistent with tool use. Grave goods suggest metalworking. 🔬
The Black Pyramid- Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur) princesses may have been trained warriors, bone analysis suggests
EgyptBioarchaeology
Key facts
- The Black Pyramid- Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur) hosts pyramids dating to the Old and Middle Kingdoms, including those of Amenemhat II and Senusret III
- Excavations in 1894 found six royal skeletons and burial goods dating to between 3,800-3,700 years ago in the Middle Kingdom pyramid complexes
- The skeletons were originally mummified but only skeletons remained, and were stored and forgotten in the Egyptian Museum basement until rediscovered in 2020
- The identified individuals include a 13th dynasty king, princesses Itaweret and Ita (daughters of Amenemhat II), Princess Neferuptah (likely a relative), and an unknown female likely Princess Satdjehuty
- Princesses were buried with weapons typically associated with men, including arrows, maces, and daggers
- Bone analysis showed markers consistent with weapon use: Princess Ita had strong hand muscles, Princess Neferuptah had thick forearm bones and archer's grip on her right hand, and Princess Itaweret had thick forearm bones associated with bow use
- All six skeletons showed signs of injuries potentially from hunting or arms training; the princesses may have been trained in hunting and martial arts, though some osteoarchaeologists remain skeptical
Sources
The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III | Egypt Tour Packahgesegypttourpackages.com
King Amenemhat III constructed the Black Pyramid in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom. Located approximately 2km east of Snefru's Bent Pyramid in Dahshur, there ...
Dashur. Black Pyramid. - ISIDA Projectisida-project.ucoz.com
The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur) is located 1.3 km to the east of the Bent Pyramid. Pyramid's height - 75 m; Slope of the sides - 57 °; Length of ...
Dashur: Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III - Ancient Egypt Onlineancientegyptonline.co.uk
The Black Pyramid of Dashur was the first pyramid built by Amenemhat III (of the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt) during the early part of his reign.
Black Pyramid - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
It is one of the five remaining pyramids of the original 11 pyramids at Dahshur in Egypt. Originally named Amenemhet the pyramid earned the name Black Pyramid ...
Pyramidion of Amenemhat III - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
The Pyramidion of Amenemhat III is the capstone that once crowned the Black Pyramid at Dashur, Egypt. Crafted around 1850 BC, towards the end of the 12th ...
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