News Archaeology

Ancient Egyptian scribes’ work left its mark on their skeletons

Arthritis riddled scribes’ bones, reflecting the repetitive tasks of their career

A series of stone statues on a dark backdrop depicting an ancient Egyptian scribe.

The high dignitary Nefer (depicted in statues with his wife) was a scribe in ancient Abusir, Egypt. His skeleton and those of other scribes are inscribed with signs of their work.

Martin Frouz, Czech Institute of Egyptology/Charles University

By Tina Hesman Saey

Ancient Egyptian scribes’ life works are written on their bones.

Arthritis and other damage mark the scribes’ skeletons where the men sat cross-legged or kneeled hunched over papyrus scrolls, researchers describe June 27 in Scientific Reports.