A new analysis of ancient Egyptian scribes’ skeletons has revealed a surprising similarity to the health issues faced by modern office workers. Researchers examined the remains of 69 adult males, including 30 scribes, buried between 2700 and 2180 B.C. in a necropolis in Abusir, Egypt. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, revealed that scribes experienced significant degenerative changes in their joints, likely caused by their repetitive and physically demanding work.
Being a scribe in ancient Egypt was considered a prestigious position, reserved for those who could read and write, a skill held by only a small percentage of the population. Scribes were responsible for important administrative tasks, requiring them to spend long hours sitting in specific positions, often hunched over as they wrote. This repetitive posture, combined with the constant use of writing tools, led to significant wear and tear on their bodies.
Researchers observed a higher incidence of degenerative changes in the scribes’ skeletons compared to those who held other occupations. The areas most affected included the right collarbone, shoulder joint, knee, and the top of the spine. Unique indentations in both kneecaps of each scribe were also noted, along with a flattened surface on a bone in the lower part of the right ankle. These changes were likely caused by scribes’ preferred working positions, either cross-legged or kneeling with their right leg bent upwards.
Lead author, an anthropologist at the National Museum in Prague, explained that the scribes’ hunched-over posture, necessary to write, put significant stress on their spine. This, in turn, likely led to neck and shoulder problems, similar to those experienced by modern office workers.
The scribes’ jaws and right thumbs also showed signs of wear and tear, likely from the repetitive act of chewing on rush stems to create writing utensils and then pinching them with their thumbs while writing. The study concluded that these repetitive movements, combined with their prolonged sitting positions, resulted in extreme overloading of the jaw, neck, and shoulder regions.
This research adds to our understanding of the daily lives and physical demands of ancient Egyptian scribes. The study highlights the fact that even those considered elite in ancient societies were not immune to the potential health risks associated with their occupations. The study’s findings also provide a glimpse into the parallels between occupational hazards experienced by scribes in ancient Egypt and modern office workers, suggesting that some of the physical challenges associated with certain professions have remained relatively consistent throughout history.
