Ancient Egyptian princesses were skilled archers, trained with weapons, controversial study claims

A controversial study in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology claims ancient Egyptian princesses were trained in archery and weapon use, based on muscle attachments on mummies from Dahshur. Experts challenge the findings, citing lack of control groups and the unreliability of skeletal markers for specific activities.

A controversial study published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology in July claims that ancient Egyptian princesses were trained in archery and weapon use. Researchers examined six mummies from the Dahshur funerary complex, dating to nearly 4,000 years ago. Four of the mummies are believed to be daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat II. The study suggests that pronounced muscle attachments in the upper limbs indicate repetitive, high-intensity actions like pulling a bowstring. Princesses Ita, Khenmet, Itaweret, and an anonymous woman were buried with bows and arrows; Ita's coffin also held a dagger. However, bioarchaeologists not involved in the study challenge these claims, stating that skeletal changes cannot reliably indicate a specific activity. They note that age, body size, genetics, and other repetitive movements can produce similar results. The lack of control groups from the same period is also highlighted as a limitation. Despite the criticism, the researchers maintain that the evidence supports their conclusion.