Unearthed findings paint a less than idyllic picture of ancient Egypt's revered baboon population, despite their sacred standing. The relocated baboons, hailing primarily from Sudan and Red Sea regions, grappled with a dearth of sunlight and undernourishment, leading to a harrowing skeletal malnutrition before their demise.
Scientists, delving into mummified baboon bones found in Gabbanat el-Qrud's necropolis around the early 20th century, identified approximately two dozen baboons in various stages of life – from youngsters to maturity, categorized as Papio hamadryas and Papio anubis[2].
Strikingly, these nonnative species were raised in Egypt for the sake of involvement in ancient rituals. However, raising exotic animals, particularly ones not indigenous to the region, poses challenges. The research revealed their living conditions were far from ideal, with a deficiency of sunlight and malnutrition generating health complications[2]. The investigation of skeletal remains showed signs of rickets, a deformity linked to poverty and metabolic disorders, translating into malformed limbs, faces, distorted teeth, arthritis, and other ailments.
"Although baboons were revered creatures in ancient Egypt, only baboons were among the animals not native to Egypt that were worshipped," noted study author, Wim Van Neer, emeritus professor at the Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences in Brussels. "Further analysis is needed to determine their exact origin"[2].
Dr. Salima Ikram, esteemed professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, who was not involved in the study, weighed in on the exploration, commending the fact that different baboon species were introduced and cultivated in Egypt[2]. She found the ancient Egyptians' endeavor to develop a breeding program for baboons, esteemed in rituals and shown due respect, fascinating[2].
The investigation, conducted by Fabio Manzo and colleagues from Italy's University La Sapienza, analyzed bones from 36 baboons found in three great Egyptian cemeteries, Egypt's Necropolis. The team's findings suggested that the baboon bones originated from the Natural History Museum in Lyon, France, found in 1905 and 1906[1]. The remains were discovered in a dried skin, with long hairs attached, indicative of burial as mummies[1].
It emerged that the baboons were interred at least a millennium earlier than initially assumed[1]. Our current knowledge positioned their burial between the 1st and 2nd century, but through Achromatic Densitometry, a method used to examine collagen and fibers in textiles, researchers found the baboons were likely buried between 803 and 520 BCE[1].
Baboons - offerings to the gods or afflicted captives? New research highlights mysterious Babylonian practices, prompting curiosity about ancient Egypt's cultural fascination with these animals.
