Egyptian Princesses Were Skilled Archers 4,000 Years Ago

Archaeologists in Egypt reexamined the mummies of five royal women dating back 4,000 years and determined they were proficient in archery. The team studied six mummies discovered in 1890s at Dahshur, south of Cairo, focusing on bone development to understand physical activity. They found strong muscle attachments and healed fractures consistent with regular archery and hunting.

The study challenges previous assumptions that weapons found in royal tombs were purely symbolic. Princess Ita, aged 28 to 34, exhibited strong upper body muscle attachments, while Princess Itaweret showed healed rib and foot fractures alongside evidence of archery skills. Researchers note the princesses likely received advanced medical care given the successful healing of their injuries.

The team plans further analysis, including isotope studies to learn about diet, and hopes to create 3D models and ethical displays of the mummies and their artifacts.