A recent research endeavor delved into the skeletal remnants of 36 baboons, hailing from diverse age categories and dating back to 800 to 500 BC, discovered in ancient Egypt. The study proposes that baboons were deliberately bred and nurtured in captivity, eventually undergoing mummification after their passing. However, scrutinizing the skeletal remnants unveiled lesions, deformities, and other bone irregularities, indicating that despite their revered status in death, they endured significant hardships during their lifetime.
Explore the origins of the ancient Egyptian baboons
There are five species of baboons, all native to Africa or Arabia. These primates are among the largest monkeys globally, with males of different species weighing between 13 to 37 kilograms on average. They typically inhabit semi-arid regions, although some can be found in tropical forests. Living in complex social structures, baboons endure intense environments where males compete fiercely for resources such as food, mates, and resting spots. Their diet is diverse, comprising roots, fruits, insects, and other small creatures. Baboons are predominantly terrestrial creatures, known to forage on the ground for sustenance. With lifespans ranging from two to three decades, some individuals have been recorded to survive for up to 40 years.
All baboons have long, dog-like muzzles, heavy, powerful jaws with sharp canine teeth, close-set eyes, thick fur except on their muzzles, short tails, and nerveless, hairless pads of skin on their protruding buttocks that make sitting comfortable. Baboons are good climbers, and thus they were kept in buildings or enclosures by the ancient Egyptians, to prevent them from escaping.
Surprising Discoveries from the Study of Ancient Egyptian Baboon Mummies
The researchers analyzed the skeletal remains of over 36 baboons ranging in age, discovered at the sacred animal necropolis of Gabbanat el-Qurud in southern Egypt, all exhibited deficiencies in their bone structures, with only 4 appearing robust.all dated back to 800-500 BCE. What they found were signs of malnutrition, deformities, and other bone abnormalities, indicating a life of captivity and likely poor living conditions. This pattern was observed consistently across baboon remains from other sites of similar age, such as Saqqara and Tuna el-Gebel, suggesting a widespread practice of captive care among ancient Egyptians.
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