Non-elite mortuary variability in the Early Dynastic Memphis region
No settlement remains at Early Dynastic Memphis, the first âcapitalâ of the newly emerging Egyptian state, have yet been located. This study draws together exclusive evidence from three well-known non-elite Memphite cemeteries Saqqara-Serapeum, Turah and the recently excavated site of Helwan (all dating from 3200 to 2700 BC) to explore the society of this early urban centre through its funerary remains. The study engages in statistical analyses of cemetery data comparing grave parameters such as volume, quantity of grave goods, their materials and pottery vessel types, but also architecture, body protection, skeletal sex and the age of the deceased across sites. The application of statistical hypothesis testing techniques forms a methodological cornerstone highlighting some pitfalls of mortuary analyses rooted in Processual theoretical frameworks. As a result, a nuanced funerary culture with a significant degree of mortuary variability was revealed at each of the sites investigated. Non-elite funerary provision at Memphis was influenced by a complex web of factors such as economic potential, relationships to local elites, communal and personal identities, choice, and practicality. While mortuary differentiation
JanuliÌkovaÌ, Barbora
Egyptian Archaeology ; Mortuary analysis ; Statistical methods ; Early Dynastic ; Memphis ; Cemetery studies
Non-elite mortuary variability in the Early Dynastic Memphis region. No settlement remains at Early Dynastic Memphis, the first âcapitalâ of the newly emerging Egyptian state, have yet been located. This study draws together exclusive evidence from three well-known non-elite Memphite cemeteries Saqqara-Serapeum, Turah and the recently excavated site of Helwan (all dating from 3200 to 2700 BC) to explore the society of this early urban centre through its funerary remains. The study engages in statistical analyses of cemetery data comparing grave parameters such as volume, quantity of grave goods, their materials and pottery vessel types, but also architecture, body protection, skeletal sex and the age of the deceased across sites. The application of statistical hypothesis testing techniques forms a methodological cornerstone highlighting some pitfalls of mortuary analyses rooted in Processual theoretical frameworks. As a result, a nuanced funerary culture with a significant degree of mortuary variability was revealed at each of the sites investigated. Non-elite funerary provision at Memphis was influenced by a complex web of factors such as economic potential, relationships to local elites, communal and personal identities, choice, and practicality. While mortuary differentiation
non_elite mortuary variability early dynastic memphis region settlement remain early dynastic memphis first capital newly_emerge egyptian state yet locate study_draw together exclusive evidence well_known non_elite memphite cemetery recently_excavate site date explore society early urban_centre funerary remains study_engage statistical_analysis cemetery data_compare grave parameter volume quantity grave_good material pottery vessel type also architecture body protection skeletal sex_age decease across site application statistical hypothesis_test technique form methodological cornerstone highlight pitfall mortuary analysis root processual theoretical_framework nuanced funerary culture significant degree mortuary variability reveal site investigate non_elite funerary provision memphis influence complex web factor economic potential relationships local_elite communal personal_identity choice practicality mortuary differentiation