Wild ass tamed, buried with Egyptian king
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Paleoscientists discovered the skeletons of 10 donkeys nestled in three mud graves dating back 5,000 years ago when Egypt was just forming a state.
Researchers speculate the donkeys were associated with the tomb of either King Narmer or King Aha. King Narmer is known for unifying Upper and Lower Egypt and creating the world’s first nation-state.
The donkey skeletons were discovered in 2003 lying on their sides in graves at a burial complex of one of the first pharaohs at Abydos, Egypt, which is about 300 miles south of Cairo. But only recently did scientists study the bones in detail to reveal the true significance of the discovery – the skeletons represent the first clear evidence of the domestication of the wild ass. The wear and tear of joints and other boney characteristics indicated the animals carried heavy loads like modern-day donkeys. Every load-bearing joint of the donkeys showed signs of abrasion, suggesting so much wear and tear that the joints’ protective tissue — the cartilage — had worn away. The researchers noted arthritis of the vertebra bones just behind the shoulders, where loads are typically placed.
The donkeys as beasts of burden would have represented the earliest use of animals (other than humans) to carry humans and their goods.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23564736/
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