Baboon skulls ancient Egypt
Given that baboons we associated with the ancient Egyptian gods of Thoth and Babi, you would guess that captive baboons in ancient Egypt lived like a pharaoh or at least a prince.
Yet a new study of baboon remains mummified 2500 to 2800 years ago at a sacred animal necropolis near Luxor, Egypt published in the journal PLOS ONE, suggests otherwise.
Out of 36 baboon skeletons analyzed (including skulls pictured above), researchers found all but four of them showed evidence of metabolic diseases and deformed bones, typical of conditions such as rickets that stem from vitamin D deficiency.
The study suggests that the apes’ captors fed them an unbalanced diet and kept them indoors all the time without sunlight—possibly to prevent them from escaping. This was no isolated incident: Baboon remains mummified elsewhere in Egypt around the same time carry similar bone deformations, the study researchers say.
Animal rights is a relatively new concept. And still hundreds of millions of farms animals are still being kept in tiny cages.
Related: Turks try to revive Thoth – the Syrian bald ibis. According to local legend in the Birecik area of Turkey, the northern bald ibis was one of the first birds that Noah released from the Ark as a symbol of fertility.
Author: Bhok Thompson
Bhok Thompson is an “eco-tinkerer” who thrives at the intersection of sustainability, business, and cutting-edge technology. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep fascination with renewable energy, Bhok has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with profitability. A frequent contributor to Green Prophet, Bhok writes about futuristic green tech, urban sustainability, and the latest trends in eco-friendly startups. His passion for engineering meets his love for business as he mentors young entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, impact-driven companies. Beyond his work, Bhok is an avid collector of vintage mechanical watches, believing they represent an era of precision and craftsmanship that modern technology often overlooks. Reach out: [email protected]
