Scientists studied the remains of six individuals discovered in the Dashur necropolis. These remains, dating from between 1850 and 1700 BCE, belonged to King Amutibre Hor, four princesses, and one other woman.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, demonstrated that women from the Egyptian royal family likely practiced archery regularly and possibly other military exercises, as indicated by changes on their bones.
>The Dashur necropolis is located near Cairo and is part of ancient Memphis, which long served as the capital of Ancient Egypt. This complex includes numerous elite tombs and pyramids built during the Old, Middle Kingdoms, and the Second Intermediate Period. Among the known structures are the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, the construction of which is attributed to Pharaoh Sneferu, founder of the Fourth Dynasty.
Systematic excavations in Dashur were conducted in the late 19th century by the Frenchman Jean-Jacques de Morgan, who headed the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt. Under his direction, researchers worked in the pyramids of Amenemhat II and Amenemhat III and their surroundings in 1894–1895. It was there that the undisturbed tomb of the Thirteenth Dynasty king Amutibre Hor (18th century BCE) and the burial of several members of the royal family, including princesses Nub-Hotep, Itu, Henmet, and Itaveret, were found.
Zainab Hashesh from Ben-Suef University, together with colleagues from the UK and Egypt, presented the results of the analysis of the remains of King Amutibre Hor, four princesses, and one other woman. Anthropological and paleopathological analysis allowed for an assessment of the level of physical strain, as well as the study of black substance found on the bones of five out of the six individuals. Researchers determined that the oldest in this group were King Amutibre Hor and Princess Nub-Hotep, who lived for about 40–44 years, while the youngest woman died at over twenty years of age.
Traces of resins used by embalmers were found on the bones of five known individuals. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that in all cases it was resin, but only juniper resin was identified on the bones of Princess Itu, while in the other cases it was a mixture of frankincense and juniper resin. The authors suggest that these resins were brought to Egypt from southern regions such as Nubia or Punt.
Bone analysis showed that belonging to the elite did not protect people from childhood physiological problems; traces of healed injuries, degenerative diseases, and congenital anomalies were observed on the remains of many, including the king. Nevertheless, the most attention was drawn to the discovery of signs of regular and serious physical exertion in the king and several princesses. According to the authors, Egyptian princesses of the Middle Kingdom or Second Intermediate Period regularly trained in archery and other combat exercises. This opinion is supported by the findings of weapons in the burials: a set of bow arrows was found in Nub-Hotep's tomb, and a bronze dagger with an ornate handle was found in the burial of Princess Ita.
Theatre on the Square in Sandton has announced its musical concert program for the winter period of 2026. This series features performances by renowned musicians from South Africa, presenting classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Weekly concerts are scheduled for every Friday at 13:00, running from May 29th to August 28th. Ticket prices are 100 Rand, but the price is reduced to 60 Rand for theatre members. Seats are not reserved for the concerts, and tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office one hour before the event.
The series began with the performance of 'Flute, Finesse & A Little Fru-Fru' by flautist Isabelle Bradley and pianist John Warner. This was followed by the performance of 'Sax After Noon,' featuring saxophonist Phil Holder, vocalist Tula Ekhart, guitarist Luke van der Merwe, and pianist Jonathan Biring.
The program will also present both emerging and experienced performers. Among them are pianist Daniel de Wet, guitarist Rainier Prins, Amanda Blankfield-Kosseff, Evelyn Green, musicians Malcolm Nay and Zanta Hofmeyr, as well as baritone Dr. Jean du Plessis with pianist Sonya van Zill.
Attendees can enjoy songs and opera in French performed by mezzo-soprano Megan Napier and pianist Annalien Ball. There will also be a performance of 'Fabulous Flutes,' where young flautists Jesse Jardine, Talita Pinaar, and Gabriella Klassen will perform with renowned pianist Eugene Jobert and flautist Dr. Kobus du Toit.
The program further includes performances by mezzo-soprano Auxe Trinkunas, cellist Gerrit Korsten, and pianist Paul Ferreira, as well as beloved operatic numbers from Sass Yende in the production 'Arias of the Heart.'
Theatre on the Square will also host the Welsh Male Choir led by Neil Bennett. Following this, Nlankhla Dube and the group The Music Moves Band, violinist Jonathan Mayer with violist Lynn Rudolph, and pianist Laura Pauna will perform. The final concert on August 28th will feature Pauna performing Beethoven's '32 Variations' and Schumann's 'Sonata No. 2.'
The theatre stated that the goal of this concert series is to showcase musical diversity and provide the public with the opportunity to experience live performance in an intimate setting. The concerts take place at Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.
Twelve-year-old artist Gideon van Biljon will take on the iconic role of Peter Pan in the 'Peter Pan Jr.' production by Scenario Youth. The premiere will take place at Die Centurion Teater from August 13 to 15, 2026.
Scenario Youth announced that Van Biljon will replace Erich Jordaan, who was originally cast for the role, as he received an opportunity to work abroad. The theater group congratulated Jordaan on the career chance and wished him success in this new phase of life.
For Van Biljon, performing this role is a lifelong dream. He shared his excitement, stating that Peter Pan is a magical character loved by everyone. He expressed hope that the audience will leave with the belief that any goal is achievable with a positive mindset.
Prior to this, Van Biljon has already built an impressive artistic career. His works include playing Eric in the internationally acclaimed 'Matilda the Musical Asia Tour' from 2023 to 2024, which was created in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company and GWB Entertainment. After studying in Cape Town and London, he performed in Israel, Dubai, China, Thailand, Singapore, India, and Abu Dhabi, showcasing his skills in acting, singing, and dancing on world stages.
His resume also includes roles as Lucas in the feature film Niemandsland, as well as participation in television commercials and music videos. In addition to theatrical activities, Van Biljon continues to practice ballet, contemporary, and jazz dance under the guidance of CBA and the Royal Academy of Dance. His many years of gymnastics have earned him several gold medals and recognition as the best gymnast in his age group.
Audiences have also seen his performances in the productions 'The Frozen Princess' and 'Aladdin' by Ever After Productions, as well as in the role of young Hercules in the show 'Hercules' by Oak Youth Theatre.
In 'Peter Pan Jr.', the public will see Peter Pan taking Wendy, John, and Michael on an adventure in Neverland—a world inhabited by Lost Boys, Brave Girls, mischievous pixies, and the wicked Captain Hook. The show will feature musical numbers such as 'I’m Flying', 'I Won’t Grow Up', 'I Gotta Crow', and 'Never Never Land.'
The main cast includes Van Biljon as Peter Pan, Amelia Oosthuizen as Wendy, Christian Beyra Martinez as Captain Hook, Charles Serrao as Michael, Aidan Bence as John, Kyle Cronje as Smitty, Jonathan Stoltz as Mr. Darling, Maya van Schalkwyk as Mrs. Darling, Mia Kruger as Tiger Lily, and Karli Roos as Lizzy. Performers from grades 4 through 12 will also participate, embodying the characters of Pirates, Lost Boys, Brave Girls, and other inhabitants of Neverland.
The direction and choreography are by Tiaan Kirsten-Lubbe and Lian Sachse, with Luigia Casaleggio serving as musical director and Ashleigh Hilton as set and costume designer. Rehearsals began in May, and the company is preparing to present the production to the public in August. 'Peter Pan Jr.' will run from August 13 to 15 at Die Centurion Teater at 123 Amkor Road, Centurion. Tickets are available from R180 via qkt.io/PeterPanJrCT26.
Filipe Samba, a bioethics lecturer born and living in Monte Café, emphasizes the importance of appealing to ancestors for guarantees and compensation for the future. He asserts that 'the wound of pain is not healed, and suffering is not cured by words, but by concrete actions.'
According to Samba, the slave culture established by the Portuguese shaped the memory and architectural heritage associated with six plantations (four in São Tomé and two in Príncipe). These plantations supported the business of producing coffee and cocoa, as well as the traditions of Africans from Angola and Mozambique, among others who were brought to São Tomé and Príncipe. Furthermore, Cape Verdeans also arrived there as hired workers.
Starting Sunday and until July 29, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee will convene in South Korea. A decision will be made in Busan regarding the inclusion of the São Tomé plantations in the UNESCO World Heritage List. São Tomé and Príncipe participates in the Cultural Sites category with the application 'São Tomé and Príncipe Plantations: Colonial Agricultural System and Forced Migration.'
The leader of the Monte Café community stated in an interview with Lusa that UNESCO registration is important because it strengthens their commitment to preserving this historical monument. It offers hope that future generations will be able to learn about this history. He also noted that such recognition will lead to the creation of new jobs, mobilization of resources, and increased synergy in employment for the local population. He added that despite a feeling of partial oblivion, the infrastructure of these sites enhances the image and identity of the community.
The return to Monte Café, where about five thousand people live, after being in the Soviet Union was marked by community work. Now, the horizon of hope extends to the end of the current month: 'This is a moment of great significance for our community because thanks to this stimulus, UNESCO recognizes this memory not only from a memorial but also from an economic point of view.' Currently, the World Heritage Committee has included 1248 sites from 170 countries. According to UNESCO, classification as World Heritage allows for the recognition and protection of sites of outstanding universal value, whether natural, cultural, or mixed, and obligates member states to preserve these landmarks.
