The elite cemetery (HK6) at Hierakonpolis served as a burial ground restricted to the elite. The elite cemetery was in use in the Naqada IC-IIB period (3800-3650BC), but was abandoned in Naqada IIC-D (3600-3300BC). HK6 is unique for the number and variety of domestic and wild animals that were interred, singly or in groups, often in graves of their own, but some also accompany human burials. Radiocarbon dates on two of these animals, an elephant (Tomb 33) and an aurochs (Tomb 19), indicate that both were buried at the same time : at some point between 3660 and 3640 BC. Two seeds of Hyoscyamus cf muticus (Egyptian henbane) were identified in the gut content of the Tomb 19 aurochs.
Most of the pathologies observed on the wild animals at HK6 are healed fractures resulting from violent blows, and a smaller proportion seems to be related to tethering. These conditions indicate that the animals were held in captivity for a prolonged period of time after their capture.
The cemetery called HK43, belonging to the non-elite (or workers) segment of the predynastic population, holds over 500 individuals of Naqada IIB-C period (roughly 3650-3500 BC). Excavations at HK43 have uncovered cutmarks found on the neck vertebrae of 21 individuals (from 15 graves and one disturbed cluster), indicating the cutting of the throat and in some cases, complete decapitation, five of whom (all young men) were also scalped. Of the 21 afected individuals, the majority that could be sexed were males (52 %, n = 11) and 9.5 % were females (n = 2), the rest being indeterminate. Most of the vertebral cut marks were located on the second, third, and fourth vertebrae and were inficted from the ventral aspect. However, none of the victims bore evidence of other violence or defensive wounds on their bodies. Furthermore, several individuals also suffered from fractured skulls, the result of severe blows to the head.
HK43 Burial 120, a circular grave, belonged to a woman (aged 35-40 years) found with both arms crossed over her chest and tree bark wrapped tightly around each of the limbs and torso. The bark is from Boswellia (frankincense) as the more likely. When clearing around the skull, it was found that half of the cranium was missing. After reconstructing the skull with pieces found some distance away, the woman had suffered a strong blow to the back left side of her head. As there is no evidence of healing, it would seem that this injury was the cause of death. The hair on the left side of the head had been cut off just above the level of the injury, apparently in an attempt to clean up the body. The remaining hair was then combed over to the intact right side of the skull to preserve a normal physical appearance. Further, although this grave was clearly undisturbed, the pottery within it was broken and scattered on either side of the body.
Burials with lacerated vertebrae are indicated in pink; burials with evidence of violent death in yellow. The blue circles indicate confirmed examples of concurrent multiple interments.
Individuals with Perimortem Fatal Injuries
Burial No.
Sex
Age
Location and Direction of Blow
Characteristics
B120
Female
35–40 yrs
Back Left Side of the Head
Strong blow to the cranium. Half of the cranium missing.
B262
Female
35–45 yrs
Back of the Head
Massive blunt force trauma; consistent with a blow from behind, possibly by a right-handed assailant. She was already nursing a fractured ulna.
B229
Male
30–35 yrs
Posterior and Medial aspect of the Right Parietal
Massive blunt force trauma; shape suggests an oblong weapon, possibly a mace head.
B310
Male
25–35 yrs
Left Parietal (1st blow, survived) → Right Parietal (2nd fatal blow)
Forceful impact caused the skull to shatter, with fragments embedded in brain tissue. Likely a blow from behind, possibly by a right-handed assailant. (Had a well-healed depression fracture from an earlier injury).
Individuals Showing Evidence of Healing (Survivors)
Burial No.
Sex
Age
Location and Direction of Blow
Characteristics
B339
Child
12–15 yrs
Left Frontal Bone (forehead) / Above Left Orbit
Depression fracture caused by a blunt, round object. Fully healed.
B358
Child
9–12 yrs
Back of the Head
Survived the blow. Specific location details not specified.
B375
Female
25–30 yrs
Front Right Side of the Head
Injury suffered during youth; showed the most significant amount of healing, surviving for many years.
In the Naqada IIC period new cemeteries were established on former settlement area along the edge of the flood plain at HK27 (Fort Cemetery), HK31 (Painted Tomb Cemetery) and HK33.
In the Naqada III period the elite cemetery (HK6) came into use again.
"Hippo" comb from HK6 Tomb 72 at Hierakonpolis
C-Ware bottle, Gebelein (?), Naqada IA-IIB period
Crocodile harpooning one of three hippopotami and the shadow in the Nile River
A man harpooning a hippopotamus in the muzzle and a crocodile on C-Ware bowl, Naqada IA-IIB period
A man fleeing with a leashed young hippopotamus
A man fleeing from a house and a mace (?)
Gebelein painted linen, Gebelein, ca. 3600 BC
An attacker holding up his stick
Wall painting from Tomb 100 at Hierakonpolis, ca. 3500-3200 BC
Ostracon incised on both sides from HK29 at Hierakonpolis
Gebelein painted linen, Gebelein
There must have been an attack on Hierakonpolis by Gebelein at some point between 3660 and 3640 BC.
