The Dakhleh Oasis is one of the seven oases in Egypt's Western Desert. In a Roman-Christian Period cemetery, the remains of a 2-3 year old child was found. The pattern of injuries evidenced suggested that multiple traumas occurred.
The child's upper arms had fractures on both in the same spot. After being compared to clinical literature, the injuries were determined to be consistent with shaking of the child. Damage to ribs and vertebrae may have resulted from direct blows. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, archaeologist hypothesize that it was the final clavicle fracture that killed the child.
This mummy is of particular interest as this is one of the only instances of suspected child abuse observed in ancient Egypt. It is known that ancient Egyptians revered children, but Roman occupation of Egypt may have influenced this dynamic.