What was the Average Height of Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs and Commoners?
Ancient Egyptians are often portrayed as tall and regal in popular culture, but what was their average height in reality?
Pharaohs
The average height of ancient Egyptian pharaohs varied over time and dynasty. However, a study of royal mummies from the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC) revealed an average height of 5'9" (175 cm) for men and 5'3" (160 cm) for women. Some notable exceptions include Ramses II, who stood an impressive 5'10" (178 cm) tall.
Commoners
The average height of ancient Egyptian commoners was significantly shorter than that of pharaohs. A study of skeletal remains from a non-elite cemetery in Giza dating back to the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC) found an average height of 5'4" (163 cm) for men and 5'0" (152 cm) for women.
Factors influencing height
Several factors influenced the height of ancient Egyptians, including:
- Nutrition: A varied and nutritious diet rich in protein and carbohydrates was essential for growth.
- Disease: Infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, could stunt growth.
- Genetics: Height is a heritable trait, and royal families likely had access to better nutrition and healthcare.
Conclusion
The average height of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and commoners varied over time and between societal classes. Pharaohs were typically taller than commoners, with an average height of 5'9" for men and 5'3" for women. Commoners had a shorter average height of 5'4" for men and 5'0" for women, reflecting differences in nutrition, disease, and genetics.
Related Questions and Brief Answers
- Were ancient Egyptian pharaohs taller than modern Egyptians? No, modern Egyptians have a slightly taller average height than ancient Egyptians.
- Did ancient Egyptians have growth disorders? Yes, evidence suggests that some ancient Egyptians suffered from growth disorders, such as dwarfism and gigantism.
- Why were pharaohs considered divine? Pharaohs were believed to be incarnations of Horus, the sky god, and were therefore considered divine.
- What was the typical lifespan of an ancient Egyptian? The average lifespan was around 30-40 years, although some pharaohs lived well into their 60s or 70s.
- How did ancient Egyptians measure height? They used a system of measurement called the "royal cubit," which was approximately 20.6 inches (52 cm) long.
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