NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Recently, primatologists and anthropologists encountered one of the mysterious archaeological phenomena in Egypt: mummies of baboons were discovered in this ancient country.
The study, carried out by several scientists from various fields including biology and anthropology, sheds light on the history and situation of these mummified inhabitants of ancient Egypt. Baboons played a role in ancient texts and images as sacred animals and means of communication with the gods.
To solve the mystery of the origin of baboons, a team of scientists led by biologist Gisela Kopp from the University of Konstanz used genetic analysis. The mitochondrial genome of mummified baboons allows scientists to determine where they came from.
Kopp uses a large-scale collection of specimens taken from both modern baboons and ancient mummies. Scientific research over time shows consistent genetic patterns associated with traditional baboons.
Anthropologist Nathaniel Dominy, co-author of the study, used stable isotopes to determine the origin of mummified baboons. This method, based on environmental signatures, has enabled scientists to pinpoint where these ancient animals were born and reared with greater confidence.
The results of the study point to Eritrea and neighboring regions as the place of origin of baboons. More specifically, the mummy sample that was analyzed is associated with the coastal region of Eritrea, which may have been the location of the port of Adulis in ancient times.
This important discovery establishes a connection between Adulis and Punt, including places mentioned in historical texts as the origin of baboons. According to scientists’ hypotheses, Adulis and Punt could be two different names for the same area, used in different historical periods.
This discovery not only expands our knowledge of the origins of sacred baboons in ancient Egypt, but also leads to deepening interdisciplinary research and modern analytical techniques to unlock historical secrets.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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