Growing Old at Tombos: A View of Older Adults in an Ancient Egyptian-Nubian Community

Abstract

Objectives

The experiences of older adults in ancient communities are often overlooked in studies due to many factors, such as preservation, methodological issues, and less frequent mention in available texts.

Materials and Methods

This study combines community- and individual-level data to explore life for older adults at the ancient Egyptian/Nubian Tombos site (c. 1450–660 bce) in modern-day Sudan (N = 125). Age data, estimated using Transition Analysis, are examined in conjunction with health, physical activities, burial context, sex, cultural, and geographic identities.

Results

At Tombos, 29% of discretely buried individuals who could be aged are estimated to be 50 years of age or older, including individuals estimated to have reached their late 70s. This percentage is high compared to regional sites; however, the use of traditional age estimation methods in other studies may have impacted estimates above age 50.

Discussion

Overall, older adults are found at Tombos in a range of socioeconomic statuses ranging from modest to elite and were buried across different cemetery areas reflective of cultural and/or religious variation. Few older individuals show evidence of nutritional deficiencies from early life, infectious disease, or very high physical workload. The osteobiographies presented suggest individuals likely received assistance due to injuries and possible disabilities. Individuals who were able to live until old age may have been those with access to better resources.