Bioarchaeology Reveals Pharaoh's Daughters Were Skilled Archers 4,000 Years Ago
A recent investigation published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology examined the skeletal remains of five royal women from Ancient Egypt's Late Middle Kingdom (1850–1700 BCE), uncovering evidence of rigorous training in archery and other strenuous activities. These remains, excavated in the late 1800s CE by a French archaeologist from tombs in Dahshur, were preserved for over a century. Among the women, four were daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat II: Princess Ita, Princess Khenmet, Princess Itaweret, and an unidentified woman likely to be Princess Sathathormeryt. They were interred with weapons, which were previously considered symbolic. Changes in muscle attachment and signs of injuries suggest they engaged in intense physical exercise. Lead author Dr. Zeinab Hashesh highlighted their involvement in archery and hunting. Additionally, King Hor's remains exhibited signs of arthritis, contributing to a deeper understanding of royal life during the Middle Kingdom.
Key facts
- The study analyzed skeletal remains of five royal women from the Late Middle Kingdom (1850–1700 BCE).
- The remains were excavated from royal tombs in Dahshur, Egypt, in the late 1800s CE.
- Four of the women were daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat II: Princess Ita, Princess Khenmet, Princess Itaweret, and an anonymous woman believed to be Princess Sathathormeryt.
- The women were buried with weapons including bows, daggers, and axes.
- Bioarchaeological evidence suggests intense upper-body exercise consistent with archery and weapon use.
- Princess Ita was aged 28–34 with strong upper-body muscle attachments.
- Princess Khenmet was in her late 30s or 40s with robust ligament attachments.
- Princess Itaweret was aged 20–34 and survived broken ribs and foot fractures.
- King Hor's remains showed signs of arthritis and age-related effects.
- The study was published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology.
- Lead author Dr. Zeinab Hashesh stated the princesses were 'active participants in skilled, physically demanding activities such as archery and hunting.'
Entities
Artists
- Amenemhat II
- Princess Ita
- Princess Khenmet
- Princess Itaweret
- Princess Sathathormeryt
- King Hor
- Zeinab Hashesh
- Jacques de Morgan
- Princess Noub-Hotep
- Michelle Langley
- Sonia Zakrzewski
- Wolfram Grajetzki
- Sébastien Villotte
Institutions
- Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology
- Egyptian Museum
- Beni-Suef University
- Griffith University
- University of Southampton
- University College London
- French National Center for Scientific Research
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- Dahshur
- Egypt
- Cairo