Mobility in Ancient Egypt from the shape and strength of the femurs

A study of 71 femurs from ancient Thebes (Middle Egypt) dating to the 1st century AD reveals that individuals exhibited low robustness and a lifestyle characterized by relative sedentarism, with no evidence of intense physical activity in the legs. Sexual dimorphism was observed in certain metrics, such as the vertical diameter of the femoral head, but subtrochanteric size and shape showed no such differences. The findings suggest a daily routine involving light mobility without strenuous leg-based labor, alongside an apparent sexual division in activities. The research analyzed metrical, non-metrical variables, shape, and size indices to infer these patterns, providing insights into the physical demands and occupational profiles of this ancient population.

Jesús, H., & Margarita, C. (2021). Mobility in Ancient Egypt from the shape and strength of the femurs. Anthropological Review, 84(2), 181–199. https://doi.org/10.2478/anre-2021-0014