New forensic evidence supports Egyptian "retainer sacrifice"

New forensic analysis of ancient Egyptian mass burials from the First Dynasty has revealed evidence of fatal blunt force trauma on approximately 39% of skulls. The study focused on two groups of mummies: 23 from the royal cemetery at Abydos and 30 from the royal cemetery at Saqqara. Researchers used CT scans and macroscopic examination to analyze the skulls. The results suggest that 9 out of 23 skulls from Abydos and 15 out of 30 skulls from Saqqara showed signs of blunt force trauma, with the majority of injuries occurring on the left side of the skull. The study's findings support the theory of 'retainer sacrifice', which suggests that servants or retainers were killed to accompany their pharaohs in the afterlife.