Egyptian Empire Was Built Around Cruelty, Skeletons With Iron Shackles Found in 2,300-Yr-Old Gold Mine Reveal Grim Reality

Discovered ancient artifacts shed light on the practices conducted in many past empires. Recently, researchers excavated a structure in Ghozza that showcased how elite ancient Egyptians employed some unethical conduct by modern standards to extract gold, stated IFL Science. Findings regarding this excavation were published in the Antiquity. 

The structure uncovered in Ghozza was an ancient gold mine. Researchers already knew that gold was important in Egypt during the Ptolemaic period (305 to 30 B.C.). "The new dynasty founded by Ptolemy-I needed gold to fund military campaigns in the Mediterranean, prestige projects abroad, and monumental buildings in Alexandria, reflecting its power and wealth,"  historian and archaeologist Bérangère Redon shared.

The excavated mine in Ghozza functioned in the second half of the third century B.C.E. Archaeologists uncovered two sets of iron ankle shackles from the mine. Examinations revealed that the shackles were 2,200 years old. Researchers immediately rejected the suggestion that it was used on animals. "These shackles were not meant for restraining animals, as rope ties were typically used for that purpose," explained Redon. "Instead, they were designed for human use."

Researchers associated the shackles with mine workers because there was an ancient text that detailed how humans were exploited for extracting gold in such establishments, stated Live Science. "The shackles complement an ancient text that describes the living conditions of miners in Egypt and mentions the presence of prisoners of war and common criminals in the mines," Redon added. Past studies have shown that the mines that were functioning under the Ptolemaic dynasty had housing for their workers. However, the workers appeared to be under heavy scrutiny all the time. Archaeological data suggests that both paid employees and slaves worked in these mines. "These objects give us irrefutable proof of the miners' status, which we did not have until now," Redon said.

Experts speculate that the shackles were put on the workers, while they were extracting gold in the mine. Researchers think that the shackles were possibly used because there was forced labor. Initially, experts did not think that this mine had forced labor because there was no evidence of guarded dormitories, but the discovery of shackles changed their perception. These are the oldest shackles that have been unearthed in the Mediterranean region. One set of shackles contained seven ankle rings along with two links, the other set exhibited four links with two ankle-ring fragments. The shackles were surrounded by discarded slag and a lot of iron objects. They were all collectively placed in what seemed to be a storage room in the mine. 

These shackles were similar in appearance to the ones that were located in the silver mines of Laurion in Greece. This implies that Greeks brought their mining knowledge and expertise along with them during the Ptolemaic period. Researchers claim that such findings showcase the dark underbelly that existed amidst the splendor of the longest and final dynasty of ancient Egypt. "Beneath the grandeur of Egypt's wealth and the imposing mountains of the Eastern Desert lies a history of exploitation," said Redon, stated IFL Science. "The gold extracted from these mines helped finance the ambitions of Egypt's rulers, but it came at a significant human cost."