A new study suggests that Ancient Egyptian princesses were not only members of the royal family but also skilled warriors, challenging the long-held image of a warrior as exclusively male and muscular. Archaeologists from Beni Suef University analyzed six royal mummies discovered in Dahshur, a significant ancient Egyptian burial site.
The research revealed that five of the mummies belonged to princesses who were interred with weapons such as bows, arrows, and daggers. These items are typically associated with male roles, leading researchers to re-evaluate the participation of royal women in physically demanding activities.
"Members of the royal family, especially the women, were active participants in skilled, physically demanding activities such as archery and hunting," said Dr. Zeinab Hashesh, the study's lead author. "This conclusion is supported by the way their bones developed to sustain heavy muscle use, which corresponds directly to the weapons discovered in their tombs."
Four of the identified princesses were daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat: Princess Khenmet, Princess Itaweret, Princess Ita, and Princess Sathathormeryt. The remaining two royal tombs belonged to Princess Noub–Hotep and King Hor, and also contained similar regalia. Although the soft tissues of the mummies have long since decomposed, analysis of the remaining bones provided insights into the individuals' age at death, height, sex, and any healed injuries.
According to Dr. Hashesh, Princess Ita, who was between 28 and 34 years old at death, exhibited strong upper-body muscle attachments, indicating habitual use of weapons like maces or daggers. Princess Khenmet, who lived into her late 30s or 40s, displayed thinning bones but robust ligament attachments. Princess Itaweret, who died between 20 and 34, showed evidence of surviving broken ribs and foot fractures, with her skeleton suggesting she was a skilled archer.
The researchers observed pronounced development in the upper limbs of these royal women, consistent with repetitive, high-intensity actions such as drawing a bowstring or stabilizing a weapon. "This directly explains the presence of bows, arrows, and maces in the women’s tombs; these were not just symbolic gifts but tools they actively used," Dr. Hashesh stated.
Evidence of injuries was also found on several individuals. Dr. Hashesh explained that these injuries were likely sustained from accidents, falls, or impacts related to an active lifestyle, which could include hunting or military training. The fact that these injuries healed well suggests that the princesses had access to sophisticated medical care for their era.
While the study offers new perspectives on the roles of royal women in Ancient Egypt, the loss of the princesses' skulls in the early 1900s limits certain analytical possibilities. Researchers expressed a desire to conduct more in-depth studies that could reveal fuller life stories, including family dynamics, health histories, and potential political roles. The team also aims to preserve the remains and create 3D prints for educational and virtual exhibition purposes, presented ethically alongside their associated artifacts.
"Their objects and jewelry are truly fascinating, breathtaking in their craftsmanship," Dr. Hashesh noted. "Yet, while archaeologists have long focused on preserving these treasures, the people themselves were often forgotten. Our study seeks to change that."