The Nbs-tree in ancient Egypt: significance and uses

Abstract EN

The Nbs-tree identified as Ziziphus Spina Christi is an evergreen deciduous tree that has fruits resembling wild cherries.

the shrub was planted in the Nile valley in ancient Egypt and still grows in Egyptian gardens in upper Egypt and Nubia today.

nearly all parts of the tree were used in antiquity.

the wood of the tree had been used in ancient Egyptian carpentry.

its fruits have been part of the ancient Egyptian diet.

loaves of bread were made of the dried fruit, which are still prepared by Egyptian peasants nowadays.

remains of dried fruits have been found in predynastic tombs and some specimens were even included in the burial equipment of Tutankhamun.

the fruit and the bread were attested in funerary texts and numerous offering lists in tombs of the elites.

in addition to being a part of the ancient Egyptian diet, Ziziphus played a significant role in medicine and the treatment of various diseases.

through a profound survey of the iconographical, textual, and archaeobotanical sources, this research focuses on the significance of the Nbs tree and its different uses in ancient Egypt.