Abstract
The necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa Nord (QHN) in Aswan, Egypt, is located about one kilometre away from the renowned burial site of the ancient city of Elephantine, Qubbet el-Hawa (QH). Recent scientific excavations, part of a joint-rescue project by the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung Berlin and the Aswan Inspectorate, have uncovered and are currently preserving ten elite tombs, dating back to the Old Kingdom (T.9, possibly T.10) and New Kingdom (T.1-T.8). This was an effective intervention as, prior to the Egyptian-German Mission, the necropolis experienced significant looting, causing partial damage to structures, cultural materials and to human remains. Therefore, for the first time, a bioanthropological investigation was also launched to preserve the osteological remains and to provide deeper insights into the individuals living in this region, aiming to reconstruct their biological (e.g., sex, age at death) and paleopathological profiles. This study focus on tomb 9 (QHN 9), the oldest one, that faces east towards the Nile, including an external courtyard with a long staircase where single burials, possibly belonging to officials serving the tomb owner, have been discovered. From the preliminary analysis, a minimum number of at least 19 individuals (8 adult males, 6 females, 5 subadults) were identified, including those buried in single graves along the staircase as well as the remains scattered by the looters’ actions. Paleopathological observations revealed severe oral, degenerative diseases and traumas. Additionally, a small coffin found left to the main entrance contained a cranium with evidence of sharp forced traumas, indicating a case of decapitation. Musculoskeletal stress markers also suggested evidence for long-distance walks on the sand. Next project plans include performing further anthropological and paleopathological analyses of the commingled osteological remains found within the internal rooms of QHN 9, as well as in the other tombs.