A case of a death in the fortress Hisn al‐Bab, on the first cataract of the Nile

Abstract

A skeleton was discovered during the excavation of fortifications at Hisn al‐Bab in southern Egypt. It was not found in a grave but was lying on its back in an outspread position at the foot of the collapsed northern wall of the fort, covered by wall debris. The individual was probably male and about 25 to 30 years old. The osteological evidence strongly suggests that the man met his death through interpersonal violence. A deep kerf was identified on the medial shaft of his left femur, caused perimortem by a large, bladed weapon. In addition, fractures of the facial bones, the skull base, and the right ribs occurred around the time of his death. These traumas, as well as the archaeological evidence of a contemporary destruction horizon of the fort, suggest some sort of conflict. The taphonomic changes to the bones indicate that the body was partly covered by wall debris soon after death, whereas some parts remained exposed. Distinct marks on the facial bones may suggest the presence of larger, scavenging birds, such as vultures. The analysis and interpretation of the traumas, and the taphonomic changes in relation to the archaeological context, give an insight into the last moments of one phase of occupation at Hisn al‐Bab. They illustrate an ancient case of violent death on the border between Egypt and Nubia.