Multidisciplinary studies of heavily fragmented and commingled ancient Egyptian human remains found in KV 40 (Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt): A pragmatic workflow and first results

For archaeological projects, a systematic study of recovered human remains is essential to determine the individual characteristics of buried individuals. This publication presents a transdisciplinary workflow specially adapted for the study of heavily fragmented and commingled skeletonized or mummified ancient Egyptian human remains as found in tomb KV 40 during excavations as part of the “University of Basel Kings’ Valley Project” in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt. Furthermore, anthropological data from this investigation are presented, and challenges and best practices of corresponding state-of-the-art investigation methods under such field conditions are discussed. Skeletonized remains were first examined anthropologically. Mummified remains or those showing pathological alterations were X-rayed beforehand for non-invasive assessment of bone morphology and possible differential diagnoses. Measurements, X-ray and photographic images, as well as any additional information, were digitally stored in a specially developed database for later “off-field” analysis. The developed workflow proved practicable and highly efficient. The minimum number of individuals (MNI = 83), age and sex distribution, adult stature, as well as the prevalence of anatomical variants (e.g., 23 individuals with supratrochlear foramen) and pathologic alterations could be established. Despite being fragmented and scattered as a result of looting and fire, these recovered human remains provided valuable insights into living conditions, demography and state of health during the 18th and 22nd − 25th dynasty in ancient Egypt (ca. 1370 and ca. 900–700 BCE). The results presented here, therefore, highlight the potential and the need for a trans disciplinary yet pragmatic approach for the study of such heavily commingled material.