Health in predynastic Egypt: using skeletal stress indicators to assess the overall health of a working class population in hierakonpolis

Abstract

The present project attempts to assess the overall health of a Predynastic Egyptian working class population, based on skeletal stress indicators. This study contributes to a growing knowledge base regarding the biological anthropology of Predynastic Egyptians. Information generated from this research may help address larger questions, such as: how do Predynastic Egyptian mortality profiles compare with each other, and with other groups from around the world? Fifty-three skeletons were examined from Hierakonpolis' HK43 cemetery. Data were collected according to conventional osteological methods. Most skeletal stress indicators observed were mild. Evidence of degenerative disease in adults reflected lifetimes of hard, physical labor. The presence of dental caries, calculus deposits and hemopoietic lesions suggested a grain-dependant diet. Interestingly, the majority of these people appeared to be young or middle-aged adults in good health. Whatever caused their deaths is not immediately apparent from their skeletal remains.