Breakthrough discovery in Tombos alters understanding of Egyptian pyramid burials

An intriguing archaeological find has the potential to reshape our understanding of the history of Egypt’s iconic pyramids.

Researchers have uncovered unusual skeletons inside one of the pyramids that could challenge the traditional narrative about burial practices in ancient Egypt, Caliber.Az reports referring to the latest materials in foreign media.

Historically, burial within the pyramids was reserved for the wealthy elite, regarded as a great honour. However, the skeletons recently discovered in one pyramid exhibit signs of heavy physical labour, suggesting that they were not from the privileged class.

Scientists believe that these individuals were likely ordinary workers who earned their living through strenuous physical labour. Despite their lower status, they were buried alongside the nobility for reasons that remain unclear.

“Pyramid tombs, once thought to be the exclusive resting place of the elite, may also have served as final resting sites for skilled workers of lower social rank,” said the authors of the study.

This discovery could significantly alter our understanding of the history of Egypt’s monumental tombs.

The excavation took place at Tombos, an archaeological site located near the Nile River in what is now modern-day Sudan, bordering Egypt. Tombos became an important colonial centre following Egypt's conquest of Nubia, a region along the Nile, around 1500 BCE.

The population of Tombos is believed to have been made up of minor officials, artisans, and scribes — people skilled in reading and writing. Excavations revealed the remains of at least five clay pyramids at the site. Among the findings were human remains and artefacts, including large pottery vessels such as vases and jars.

The most significant pyramid complex at Tombos belonged to Siamun, the sixth pharaoh of Egypt during the 21st Dynasty (1077–943 BCE). This complex included a large courtyard and was adorned with burial cones — small clay cones used either as decoration or symbolic offerings during the funerary rites.

What sets this discovery apart is the physical condition of the skeletons. Some of the skeletons belonged to individuals who had led sedentary lives, showing little sign of physical exertion. In contrast, others appeared more physically active during their lifetimes.

Researchers propose that ancient Egyptians may have believed that burying workers alongside their masters would allow the latter to continue serving in the afterlife. This challenges long-standing assumptions in Egyptology regarding who was granted burial in monumental tombs.

“If individuals with physically demanding lives were actually of lower social status, this contradicts the conventional belief that only the elite were entitled to burials in monumental tombs,” concluded the researchers.

By Tamilla Hasanova