Kings and peasants from El-Zuma/El-Detti microregion in the Early Makurian period. Economic aspects of animal bones from funerary contexts

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212423
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15T18:30:02Z
• Authors: Urszula Iwaszczuk; Justyna Niderla-B...; Aneta Ścieżyńska
• Keywords: Burial; Science; Breeding; DNA, Mitochondrial; 01 natural sciences; Bone and Bones; Sudan; Animals; Humans; Cemeteries; History, Ancient; Phylogeny; Sheep, Domestic; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences; Cultural Characteristics; Fossils; Funeral Rites; Q; R; Commerce; Archaeology; Medicine; Cattle; Research Article

Tumuli fields at El-Zuma and El-Detti were dated to the 2nd phase of Early Makurian period, c. AD 450–550. They represented three types tombs different sizes structures. The animal remains from these graves analyzed in context economy practiced by people who lived vicinity burial sites. aDNA analysis was conducted for cattle explain its origin significance inhabitants region. research showed agricultural nature settlement located north Nile Valley with a great importance sheep breeding. It also indicated northern direction trade cultural contacts society based El-Zuma/El-Detti microregion deep social stratification within this group.