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Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the ancient, intact graves of
four children, all thought to be under the age of 10.The child burials
were found during excavations at Gebel el-Silsila, which was once a
quarry site during the Thutmosid period, from roughly 1493 BCE to 1401.
Inside some of graves, the researchers also found a number of artifacts,
including amulets, bracelets, and pottery.
But, one grave in particular stands out from the rest, with evidence
that the child was buried ‘without any care.’
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At the site, the archaeologists also unearthed chamber-tombs designed
for adults.
Researchers with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Sweden’s Lund
University announced the discovery this week, revealing remarkable new
insight on the burial practices during the 18th Dynasty.
While parts of the coffins remained preserved over the years, much of
the material was destroyed by floods, insects, and other natural forces.
According to Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme
Council of Antiquities, one of the burials contains the remains of a
child aged just 2-3 years old at the time of death.
The toddler was found surrounded by rocks, with bits of the linen
wrappings and organic material from the wooden coffin still remaining.
Most, however, had been eaten away by termites.
In the second grave, they discovered the body of a child aged 6-9 years
old, buried with several burial goods.
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The archaeologists found 10 ceramic items, including beer jars, wine
vessels, plates, and bowls, bronze bracelets, and a bronze razor,
according to the Luxor Times.
The child was also buried with jewelry – four scarabs attached to the
left wrist, and an amulet, likely displaced from its original spot by
beetles.
The third grave, in which a child aged 5-8 years old was buried, they
found similar burial offerings.
According to the archaeologists, the body was wrapped in linen and laid
on reed matting, alongside three scarabs – including one that contained
a royal name from the dynasty – and a pottery item.
At the fourth burial site, the team found a very different scenario.
A child, also estimated to be about 5-8 years old, had been buried
‘without any obvious care,’ according to the Luxor Times.
The grave was covered in quarry spoil, and appeared to have no immediate
relation to the others.
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And, the experts noted what could be several signs of sickness, though
the exact cause of death is unknown.
The child also showed more signs of injury, according to Live Science.
The researchers plan to conduct further studies on the burials to find
out more about the bodies buried at the site, including additional
insight on their health and overall well-being – and what may have led
to their deaths. |