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| Hierakonpolis map |
The elite cemetery (HK6) at Hierakonpolis served as a burial ground restricted to the elite probably since its inception in Naqada IC-IIA. Near identical radiocarbon dates from two of animals buried at HK6 indicate that both met their end at the same time: at some point between 3660 and 3640 BC.
The non-elite cemetery (HK43) at Hierakonpolis, holding over 500 individuals of Naqada IIB-C period (roughly 3650-3500 BC), have uncovered cutmarks found on the neck vertebrae of 21 individuals, indicating the cutting of the throat and in some cases, complete decapitation. The individuals involved include men and women ranging from 16 to 65 years of age, five of whom (all young men) were also scalped, their skulls covered with up to 197 shallow cutmarks. The focus of the activity was limited to the vault, while the facial and associated post-cranial remains were devoid of any cut marks. This strongly suggests that the purpose of the act was simply to remove the scalp. The standard location of the lacerations to the throat is always from the front, high up on the neck (most frequently on the second and third cervical vertebrae) with the lack of defensive injuries. Overall, those with cutmarks represent less than 5% of the cemetery's population. Several individuals also suffered from fractured skulls, the result of severe blows to the head. Some healed, some were fatal.
In the Naqada IIC period there is a notable change in cemetery location. The cemeteries in the Wadi Abu Suffian were abandoned and new cemeteries were established on former settlement area along the edge of the flood plain at HK27 (Fort Cemetery), HK31 (Painted Tomb Cemetery) and HK33.
In the Naqada III period the elite return to HK6 for burial.
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| "Hippo comb" from HK6 Tomb 72 at Hierakonpolis |
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| A man standing with a leashed hippo behind a boat and a crocodile on C-Ware bowl, Egypt, ca. 3900-3650 BC |
Proto-cuneiform KUSZU2~c (Kušu) = crocodile
Proto-cuneiform SZAH2~b (Šah); interpreted as "pig" but actually hippo
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| A man standing with a leashed baby hippo on Gebelein painted linen, Gebelein, ca. 3600 BC |
A 4-month-old hippo was found at HK6 in Hierakonpolis. Amongst the bones, a healed fracture on the lower back leg indicates that this young hippo was probably tied to a tree and held in captivity for several weeks before its death.
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| A man standing with a hut on Gebelein painted linen, Gebelein |
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| Gebel el-Arak Knife (front), Gebel el-Arak (?), ca. 3600-3300 BC |
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| A warrior surrendered (?) in front of Aka | A warrior was killed in front of ereš (lady, queen) |
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| Hartebeest (?) looking back |
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| dGilgameš and dDumu-zi(d) fought back | dLugal-banda ran away |
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| En-me-barage-si cut dDumu-zi(d)'s throat (?) |
According to The Sumerian king list, dDumu-zi(d) "the fisherman" was taken captive by the single hand of En-me-barage-si.
Wall painting from Tomb 100 at Hierakonpolis, ca. 3500-3200 BC
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| Gebel el-Arak Knife (back), Gebel el-Arak (?) | Wall painting from Tomb 100 at Hierakonpolis |
Only the dog on the right has the "strap" at the back of its neck
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| Gebel el-Arak Knife (back), Gebel el-Arak (?) | Wall painting from Tomb 100 at Hierakonpolis |
Donkey burials at Hierakonpolis are known from around elite tombs in the Naqada III period.
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| Petroglyph of donkeys at "Donkey Hill" in Hierakonpolis |
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| Tablet (P325349), ca. 3200-3000 BC |
UB KISZ (Kiš) |
According to The Sumerian king list, Kiš was defeated; its kingship to E-ana was carried.
Hierakonpolis = Sumerian: An (𒀭), The elite = Sumerian: Kiš
Gebelein = Sumerian: En
In use for over 500 year (Naqada IIA - Dynasty 1), the center of Ceremonial Center (HK29A) at Hierakonpolis underwent several renovations, and the structure was composed in part of a walled, oval courtyard 45m long and 13m wide, on the south side of which was a monumental gateway framed by four enormous wooden pillars of acacia wood and the eight smaller ones (arranged in 2 rows).
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| Ostracon incised on both sides from HK29 at Hierakonpolis |
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| Gebelein painted linen, Gebelein |
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| C-Ware bottle, Gebelein (?), Naqada IA-IIB period | Crocodile harpooning one of three hippopotami and the reflection in the Nile River |
There must have been a battle in which Gebelein defeated Hierakonpolis at some point between 3660 and 3640 BC.
References:
http://www.hierakonpolis-online.org/index.php/nekhen-news2024/05/08 Takahiko Nakagawa