In the Ancient Egypt the Scribes were victims of workplace diseases!
A new study revealed that ancient scribes exhibited signs of osteoarthritis and enthesitis, an inflammation of the tendon insertions on the bones.
Under the starry skies of ancient Egypt, amidst the rustling of papyrus and the allure of hieroglyphics, the lives of scribes unfolded. These men of high status, guardians of the precious gift of writing, were tasked with recording administrative acts, drafting sacred texts, and passing down the millennia-old wisdom of their civilization.
However, behind the idealized image of these learned keepers of knowledge, a much harsher reality lay hidden. The repetitive tasks, improper postures, and less than ergonomic work environments left indelible marks on their skeletons, telling a story of occupational diseases and chronic pain.
Journey Through Time: Skeletons and Hieroglyphs
A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-63549-z) brought to light the severe impact of work on the remains of 69 adult males from the necropolis of Abusir, Egypt. Among these, 30 were scribes who lived between 2700 and 2180 BCE.
The analysis used cutting-edge techniques in physical anthropology and biomolecular archaeology to examine the skeletal remains of the scribes and compare them with those of other men from the same area and period with different occupations.
The study aimed to better understand the living and working conditions of scribes in ancient Egypt, specifically assessing the impact of their daily activities on their health.
The Spine
The findings of the study are surprising and offer a new perspective on the lives of scribes. The analysis of the skeletal remains revealed degenerative changes in various joints, particularly noticeable in the spine.
These alterations, primarily affecting the lumbar and cervical vertebrae, were consistent with poor posture maintained for long periods during work. Researchers hypothesize that scribes spent much of their time sitting on mats or low stools, with crossed legs, bent heads, and flexed backs. While this position facilitated writing, it also caused mechanical stress on the spine, leading over time to chronic pain, joint degeneration, and reduced mobility.
The degenerative changes observed in the scribes' spines are similar to those found in modern populations engaged in manual labor requiring prolonged poor postures, such as construction workers or truck drivers.
Knees, Hips, and Ankles
In addition to the spine, the scribes' knees, hips, and ankles also showed wear consistent with improper working positions.
The knees exhibited signs of osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease affecting the joint cartilage and causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Researchers suggest this wear was due to scribes spending much time kneeling or squatting while working, positions that exerted significant pressure on the knee joints.
The hips also showed signs of osteoarthritis and enthesitis, an inflammation of tendon insertions on the bones. These changes suggest that scribes frequently used their legs to move and reach objects, causing mechanical stress on the hip joints.
Finally, the ankles displayed signs of degenerative arthritis, a disease affecting the cartilage and bones of the joints, causing pain.
Jaw and Thumb
The lower jaw of the scribes showed signs of joint degeneration and tooth wear, consistent with intensive and repeated use of the jaw for chewing.
Researchers believe this wear was due to the habit of chewing the ends of reed stems to create the brush tips scribes used for writing. This process, though necessary for their work, eventually led to jaw pain, chewing problems, and dental wear.
The right thumb also showed signs of wear and degeneration, particularly at the first metacarpal bone. This alteration, known as Scriven's disease, is typical of those who engage in manual activities requiring repetitive grasping and manipulation of objects, such as writing with a pen.
For scribes, the prolonged and intense use of the pen for writing hieroglyphics led to inflammation, pain, and reduced thumb mobility.
Workplace Ergonomics of Ancient Egyptians
The study of Egyptian scribes offers an important lesson for the present. The occupational diseases that affected these ancient workers are unfortunately still common today, especially in sectors requiring poor postures, repetitive movements, or excessive efforts.
The results of this research highlight the importance of taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of occupational diseases, such as:
- Promoting good workplace ergonomics through the design of appropriate workstations and training workers on correct postures.
- Encouraging frequent breaks during work to allow the body to rest and recover.
- Engaging in regular physical activity to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility.
- Seeking medical advice promptly in case of pain or discomfort for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Beyond Bones: A Dive into the Daily Lives of Scribes
The study of the skeletal remains of Egyptian scribes also provided valuable insights into their living conditions. The analysis of their teeth revealed a diet rich in grains and vegetables but low in animal proteins.
While this diet was typical for the era, it might have contributed to nutritional deficiencies affecting their health.
Moreover, the bone analysis identified traces of some infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and parasitosis. These diseases, widespread in ancient Egypt, posed an additional threat to the health of scribes and reduced their life expectancy.
Overall, the study of Egyptian scribes offers a comprehensive and detailed picture of their lives, from their work activities to their health conditions. The results of this research help us better understand the challenges and difficulties these ancient workers faced daily and provide important lessons for improving our health and well-being at work.
