Diet and Dental Health in Predynastic Egypt- A Comparison of Hierakonpolis and Naqada

Seven dietary indicators on 364 dentitions of working class Predynastic Egyptiansfrom Hierakonpolis and Naqada are examined. The majority of the samplesfrom both sites date to Naqada II (3500-3200 BC) during which thesewere the two main urban centers for Upper Egypt. Samples consist of adultsand juveniles ranging from 6 years to over 50 years of age. Dietary indicatorsincluding caries calculus abscess periodontal disease macrowear microwearand hypoplastic enamel defects are used to look for statistically significantdifferences between working class inhabitants of the two sites as wellas sex and age groups within each site. Three questions are addressed. (1)Which of the available flora and fauna were being eaten? While specific foodcould not be identified individually cultivated items such as bread and rawvegetables were consumed by all individuals at Hierakonpolis but mostlywomen and children at Naqada. At least some meat and/or fish was consumedat both sites. (2) Were food types found as burial offerings being eaten?Consumption of at least two burial offerings bread and nutsedge (Hierakonpolisonly) are supported. (3) Were the working class inhabitants of Hierakonpolisand Naqada consuming the same diet? While the major portionsof the diet appear to be similar this study found both dietary and behavioraldifferences between the working class members of these sites.