Skeletons found hidden in Egyptian pyramids could reshape their history

A study has revealed a 'contrasting' theory surrounding which members of society were laid to rest in pyramid tombs in Tombos.

A study has looked into 'previous archaeological and bioarchaeological research' which suggested Nubians - a group indigenous to the region of Nubia, which is now known as northern Sudan and southern Egypt - and Egyptians lived together in the colonial town previously known as Tombos.

What did the new skeleton pyramid research study?

The study - titled Daily life in a New Kingdom fortress town in Nubia: A reexamination of physical activity at Tombos and published in the Journal of Anthropological Archeology - explains previous evidence has suggested the population 'was relatively healthy, with limited indicators of physiological stress present on skeletal remains', and that the town benefited from an 'imperial framework through occupations that were not physically demanding'.

However, they're now unsure whether this is truly the case.

The study looked at an area in Nubia (Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Researchers re-analyzed skeletons found in 'chamber, pyramid/chapel/shaft, pit, and tumulus graves' at the site of Tombos - situated at the Third Cataract of the Nile - using over 10 years of continued excavation work alongside biomolecular testing.

The team looked at the entheseal changes of the skeletons, which means how muscle and ligaments attach to the bone, and subsequently show if the body has been used frequently or intensively.

If a body has been used more frequently and intensively, the muscles and ligaments will 'require a stronger mode of attachment' seen in 'distinct crests and ridges on the bone at the point of attachment'.

It looked at 'a total of 17 fibrocartilaginous entheseal changes, including both upper and lower body' per individual and used a 'severity' scale measuring 1-6.

This is important in figuring out 'cultural systems, values and norms ' given 'bodily movements [are] an imperative part of our lived experience and daily lives'.

The study also took into consideration the different types of burial container, artefacts surrounding the body and body position too as indicators of that person's standing in the community and ' to better understand the mortuary, socioeconomic, and occupational landscapes of this colonial space'.

The study reanalyzed previous findings (Journal of Anthropological Archaeology)

What did the new research into skeleton pyramids find?

The study found 'particularly low entheseal changes scores', suggesting daily life in the town 'was not particularly physically demanding'.

"[Author] [Sarah] Schrader suggested that the population of Tombos may have been composed of minor officials, professionals, craftspeople, and scribes," it explains.

The findings allowed for a 'more robust examination of status and identity' and comparing 'Egyptian-style elite pyramid complex burials (including the pyramid itself, as well as the chapel and shaft), with less elite chamber and pit tombs' alongside 'Nubian-style tumulus burials' too.

"Tumuli are mounded structures, often with a irregular stone circles superstructure, and a burial shaft with chamber niche substructure. Social status might be indicated by association with tomb type, but also burial practice, in particular the provision of grave goods and burial containers in the form of wooden or ceramic coffins, reed mat work, or wrapping in linen with no container. The presence of several flexed burials of women suggests a different social status and/or identity for these individuals," it states.

The study throws into question previous findings (Journal of Anthropological Archaeology)

What do the research findings mean?

The results of the study 'contrast' with earlier interpretations of Tombos' landscape which resolved the entheseal changes of the population 'were not pronounced'.

Instead, the study revealed 'a complex landscape of physically active and less-physically active people'.

The study resolves: "Our findings suggest that pyramid tombs, once thought to be the final resting place of the most elite, may have also included low-status high-labor staff.

"[...] This study speaks to the importance of reanalyzing data; with continued excavations, dating, and biomolecular analysis, interpretations of lived experience in the past can be completely altered."