Differential diagnosis of a calcified object from the South Tombs Cemetery at Amarna, Egypt

Objective

This paper provides a brief history of the publication of calcified biological objects and presents one that was present in the grave associated with a mature adult female buried in the South Tombs Cemetery at Amarna, Egypt (c. 1353–1332BCE).

Methods

Macroscopic examination revealed an ovoid object constructed of concentric layers of a coarse sand-like material oriented around a dense core that lacked evidence of parasites. Microscopic examination revealed the object is composed of densely, yet haphazardly packed, elongated octahedron shaped crystals with no evidence of cellular structures. Basic chemical analysis eliminated calcium carbonate as a constituent material.

Results

Based on comparison with previously published examples from the archaeological and clinical literature and careful differential diagnosis, it is suggested this object is a bladder stone.

Significance

A brief discussion of the implications of bladder stones on individual health and broader epidemiological constraints to illustrate the depth such discoveries can bring to our understanding of ancient lived experience concludes the work.

Limitations

The burial of Ind. 286 was disturbed. The identification of a bladder stone presumes the stone would have been found within the pelvic cavity, which cannot be confirmed. Other graves in the vicinity of this grave were also disturbed. It is unlikely, but still possible, that the stone originated from another grave and was relocated to this grave after disturbance. Full chemical analysis was not possible.

Suggestions for future research

Radiographic and chemical analysis would provide more information to strengthen the certainty of the differential diagnosis.