3,500-Year-Old Severed Hands: Gruesome Battlefield Trophies from Ancient Egypt?

March 13, 2025

A recent study has shaken the archaeological world by analyzing 3,500-year-old severed hands, recovered from pits in the ancient city of Avaris, northern Egypt. These hands may have been collected as battlefield trophies, revealing a gruesome aspect of ancient Egyptian warfare.

The city of Avaris, once the capital of the Hyksos dynasty, witnessed many fierce battles. The discovery of these severed hands, intentionally arranged in pits, is not a mere coincidence. Researchers believe they are evidence of a ritual or practice related to war. Severing the enemy’s hands could have been a way to prove victories, demonstrate power, or even a form of sacrifice.

This study not only provides insights into ancient Egyptian warfare but also raises questions about the culture and beliefs of the people of that era. Was this practice common in other ancient civilizations? Did these hands belong to elite warriors or unfortunate commoners? Further archaeological and anthropological research will help us answer these questions.

Let’s explore the secrets hidden in the past of the city of Avaris and ancient Egyptian civilization!