Non-specific stress indicators in ancient egyptians from Giza and Bahriyah oasis

Abstract EN

Objectives: The present study aims to compare three non-specific stress indicators stature, Harris's lines (HL) and dental enamel hypoplasia (DEH) in two different sites and periods of ancient Egyptian human remains in order to identify the effect of bio-cultural process on health and nutrition. Material: The sample consisted of 155 skeletons of high officials and 117 skeletons of the workers from Giza, Old kingdom and commingled bones from Bahriyah Oasis from Greco-Roman period including 11 almost complete skeletons 199 skulls and different numbers of postcranial bones. Methods: Stature was estimated mathematically from the tibial length.

Investigation of Harris's lines was carried out by X-ray radiography.

Analysis of dental enamel hypoplasia was achieved macroscopically. Results and conclusions: Results revealed that the mean values of stature of the high officials of both sexes are higher than those of both the Bahriyah Oasis and the workers.

Nevertheless, the differences were not significant.

The highest incidence of dental enamel hypoplasia and Harris's lines were observed in the workers.

The study suggested that the elevated frequency of stress indicators in the workers may be due to the influence of the socioeconomic status