We thought they were just decorative, but no: these Ancient Egyptian princesses really did use their weapons. Their bones say so

A reanalysis of the remains of King Hor and five princesses from Dahshur found bone changes consistent with repeated weapon use.

The study noted muscle development in the shoulder, arm, and hand, plus other skeletal adaptations in one princess suggesting frequent use of bows, daggers, maces, and arrows.

The authors say it is impossible to tell whether the activities were training, hunting, or warfare.

Still, the findings challenge the idea that weapons buried with Egyptian royal women were only symbolic and may prompt a rethink of elite women’s physical and military roles in ancient Egypt.