Identification of Taenia sp. in a mummy from a Christian Necropolis in El-Deir, Oasis of Kharga, ancient Egypt.

For the first time, a palaeoparasitological study was performed on 12 mummies from a Christian cemetery excavated in El-Deir, Oasis of Kharga, Egypt. The analysis revealed the presence of a tapeworm, probably Taenia sp., in a single individual. The presence of just the presumed taeniid egg is surprising and raises the question of the relationship between residents of Egyptian oases and those residing in the Nile Valley. The result suggests information on the health status of the ancient oasis population and re-enforces a hypothesis regarding possible social stratification of the inhabitants. The work must be continued if we are to acquire additional knowledge dealing with life in ancient Egyptian oases.