Biomechanical Analyses of Lang Bones of Ancient of Egyptians from Giza-Old Kingdom

Abstract

Biomechanics is a combination between both biological and mechanical concepts, and the biomechanical analyses involve application of mechanical "engineering" theories to biological systems. The general use of biomechanics in studying human skeletons is the study of long bone structural variability and its relation to the mechanical activity exerted by individuals throughout lifespan. Thus, applying the biomechanical analyses on ancient populations helps in the reconstruction of their past behavioral activity patterns.

2. The present study deals with the application of bone biomechanical analysis to ancient Egyptian skeletal collection and the difference in bone robusticity between two socioeconomic classes of ancient Egyptians "Workers and High Officials" from old kingdom (2700-2190 BC); the pyramid builders period.

3. One hundred and seventy four skeletons were the subject of the study (94 males, 80 females). They were excavated from Giza necropolis. The material was divided into two groups according to the socioeconomic class; 103 skeletons from High Officials and 71 skeletons from Workers.

4. The skeletal material was selected to be only for adults with no fractures, abnormal curvatures or pathology.

5. Sex determination of the specimens was achieved using the morphological characteristics of the skull and pelvis, as well as, the head diameters of both the femur and the humerus. The sex distribution among the Workers group