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Variation in porotic hyperostosis in the Royal Cemetery complex at Abydos, Upper Egypt: a social interpretation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

S.O.Y. Keita  and
A.J. Boyce
S.O.Y. Keita
Affiliation:
1National Human Genome Center, Howard University and Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution, USA
A.J. Boyce
Affiliation:
2Institute of Biological Anthropology and St Johns College, University of Oxford, UK
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Extract

Variation in the frequency and severity of porotic hyperostosis [porous defects], seen in the skulls of individuals buried at two First Dynasty cemeteries at Abydos, suggested differences in health and social conditions. Those buried near the kings had suffered from childhood deficiencies, while those associated with funerary enclosures in a second cemetery further to the north seemed to have benefited from occupational or social advantages. The author speculates on the possible factors which gave rise to this difference.

Keywords

First DynastyEgyptAbydoscemeteryporotic hyperostosis
Type
Research
Information
Antiquity , Volume 80 , Issue 307 , 1 March 2006 , pp. 64 - 73
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2006

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