Forensic Study Finds Head Trauma in 18 of 46 Skulls from Abydos Retainer Burials

A recent forensic investigation published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology indicates that retainers interred with ancient Egypt's initial pharaohs might have been intentionally killed. Roselyn Campbell, a bioarchaeologist from Purdue University, examined 46 skulls from Umm el-Qaab, the royal burial site in Abydos for the First Dynasty rulers. Her analysis revealed that 18 skulls exhibited notable trauma, such as linear fractures, a penetrating wound, and a chopping injury to an eye. These retainers were laid to rest in secondary graves near the funerary structures of King Djer (circa 3000 B.C.E.), King Djet, and Queen Meretneith. Flinders Petrie unearthed the skulls in the 1920s and suspected sacrificial practices but lacked concrete evidence. Campbell emphasizes this is the first research to focus on the remains from the tombs. The practice was most prevalent with Djer, Djet, and Meretneith, who were buried alongside numerous retainers, but it ceased by the onset of Egypt's Second Dynasty around 2730 B.C.E., when figurines took the place of human sacrifices. Salima Ikram from the American University in Cairo suggests that the retainers might have either volunteered or been compelled. Although the study does not specify the weapons used, Campbell theorizes they were likely flat, lightweight, and possibly wooden.