A physical examination of the newly discovered skeletons could alter the narrative surrounding the pyramids.

Scientists have discovered surprise skeletons hidden inside a pyramid in the Tombos colony in present-day Sudan, once part of ancient Egypt. The identification of intense physical activity in the skeletons found in Tombos could challenge the assumptions that only nobles were buried in pyramids. Archaeologist Sarah Schrader from Leiden University mentioned to New Scientist that they were examining the bones for traces of muscles, tendons, and ligaments on the bone surfaces. The examination published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology indicated that some skeletons belonged to individuals who were almost physically inactive, while others were individuals who engaged in intense physical activity throughout their lives. As such, individuals with low physical activity levels were believed to be nobles who lived in luxury, while individuals with high activity levels were likely low-status individuals who worked in laborious jobs. Experts suggest that the physical activity levels of wealthy Egyptian nobles and common people were so different that this difference could be identified just by looking at their skeletons. The belief is that workers were buried alongside their masters because they were expected to continue serving them in the afterlife. Researchers state, “If these individuals working in laborious jobs were really of low socioeconomic status, this challenges the traditional narrative that only elites were buried in monumental tombs.”

PYRAMIDS IN SUDAN

Although pyramids are generally associated with Egypt, it is known that approximately 80 pyramids were constructed in the Kush Kingdom located in modern-day Sudan. Most of the pyramids in Egypt were built for pharaohs and their spouses during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. However, the most famous pyramids are still in Egypt. Among them is the Giza Pyramid and the Step Pyramid, belonging to Pharaoh Djoser. While the Giza Pyramid is the largest pyramid in Egypt, the Djoser Pyramid, built between 2667 – 2648 BC, is known as the oldest pyramid.