In the new study, Roselyn Campbell, an anthropology researcher at Purdue University, re-examined 46 skulls from individuals who were buried near royal tombs that belonged to King Djer, King Djet and Meretneith (a woman who likely ruled Egypt at times), and were built near the ancient sacred city of Abydos. All three rulers lived during the first dynasty, a period that started around 5,000 years ago when Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt were unified into one kingdom. The sacrificed retainers were buried next to the tomb of the king they had served.
However, Petrie was unable to identify evidence of fatal skeletal trauma, and his idea that they were sacrificed has been debated ever since. Petrie reburied most of the human remains, but 46 skulls were retained and preserved in the Duckworth Collections at the University of Cambridge.
Mike P Shepherd via AlamyMike P Shepherd via Alamy
Linear fractures "occur when the cranium strikes or is struck by a relatively large object with low overall force; because of the cranium's globular shape, the impact of the blow disperses across the cranial vault," Campbell wrote in the study. "While linear fractures are not always immediately lethal, they often cause intracranial lesions and/or hemorrhage, which can quickly cause loss of consciousness and death if surgery [to relieve pressure] is not performed."
Related stories
Did ancient Egyptian princesses use weapons? Controversial study claims they hunted or trained with the military, but not all experts agree. How old is ancient Egypt? Ancient shark 'graveyard' uncovered in Egyptian desert
"As far as we can tell, this particular type of retainer sacrifice seems to have ended with the close of the First Dynasty, which means it [lasted] around two centuries or possibly less," Campbell said.
He noted he was surprised at the method used for human sacrifice, because depictions of ritual killing on wooden labels "seems to indicate that the victim was kneeling with his hands tied behind his back being stabbed in the chest with a knife."
Are you a fan of mummies and hieroglyphs? Find out with our ancient Egypt quiz!
Hence then, the article about ancient egyptians sacrificed pharaohs servants so they could continue to serve their king in the afterlife new study finds was published today ( ) and is available on Live Science ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ancient Egyptians sacrificed pharaohs' servants so they could continue to serve their king in the afterlife, new study finds )
Also on site :
- In 1974, three artists buried 10 Cadillacs nose-first in an Amarillo, Texas wheat field; the row was moved 2 miles west in 1997 as the city grew
- Ryde Group Ltd. Sued for Securities Law Violations - Contact the DJS Law Group to Discuss Your Rights - RYDE
- John de Mol’s Formats Giant Talpa Studios Heads to Mipcom With New Shows ‘Sing With Me,’ ‘The Golden Elevators’ (EXCLUSIVE)