Diet and dental health in predynastic Egypt

Seven dietary indicators on 364 dentitions of working class Predynastic Egyptians from Hierakonpolis and Naqada are examined. The majority of the samples from both sites date to Naqada II (3500-3200 BC), during which these were the two main urban centers for Upper Egypt. Samples consist of adults and juveniles ranging from 6 years to over 50 years of age. Dietary indicators, including caries, calculus, abscess, periodontal disease, macrowear, microwear, and hypoplastic enamel defects are used to look for statistically significant differences between working class inhabitants of the two sites as well as sex and age groups within each site. Three questions are addressed. (1) Which of the available flora and fauna were being eaten? While specific food could not be identified individually, cultivated items such as bread and raw vegetables were consumed by all individuals at Hierakonpolis but mostly women and children at Naqada. At least some meat and/or fish was consumed at both sites. (2) Were food types found as burial offerings being eaten? Consumption of at least two burial offerings, bread and nutsedge (Hierakonpolis only), are supported. (3) Were the working class inhabitants of Hierakonpolis and Naqada consuming the same diet? While the major portions of the diet appear to be similar, this study found both dietary and behavioral differences between the working class members of these sites.