Ancient Egyptian Princesses Were Expert Archers, Study Finds

A new study reveals that princesses of ancient Egypt's Middle Kingdom were skilled archers who engaged in intense physical activities, challenging long-held assumptions about the lives of royal women. Researchers from the University of Beni-Suef and the Institute of Bioarchaeology in London analyzed the remains of six mummies from the Dahshur necropolis, rediscovered in 2020 at the Egyptian Museum. Four of the individuals were sisters: Princesses Ita, Khenmet, Itaweret, and Sathathormeryt, daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat II. Source: Clarin

Physical Evidence

The team found pronounced muscle attachments and healed fractures in the upper bodies of the princesses, indicating repetitive, high-intensity actions such as drawing a bow or wielding a weapon. Princess Itaweret, aged 20–34, survived rib and foot fractures, and her skeleton identifies her as an expert archer. Princess Ita (28–34) had strong upper-body musculature suggesting she used maces or daggers. Source: Infobae Princess Khenmet (30–40) showed robust ligaments despite bone thinning. Source: El Mundo

Implications

The weapons found in their tombs—bows, arrows, daggers—were not merely symbolic but practical tools used for hunting, sport, or military training. The healed fractures also indicate access to advanced medical care for the royal family. Source: Emol The study humanizes these figures, showing their active lives beyond the treasures they were buried with.