Donkeys in Modern Excavations: Two Case-Studies at Amarna

Abstract

Focusing on two examples at Amarna, this article explores the donkey’s utility in modern excavations. The
domestic donkey (Equus asinus), originating from the African wild ass (Equus africanus) c. 6000 years ago, has
a long history in Egypt since the Ist Dynasty (c. 3000 bce) and possibly even earlier in the Predynastic period.
Due to its robustness in arid regions, its ability to carry heavy loads, and its cognitive capabilities, the donkey
played a crucial role in the development of ancient pastoral societies and remains valuable today. Primarily
employed as a beast of burden for various tasks in ancient Egypt, the involvement of donkeys on excavation
sites first moderates damage from motorized vehicles and then allows accessibility. Employing donkeys not
only reduces environmental impact but also affects people’s psyche and enhances community engagement.
Eventually, the use of donkeys aligns with the principles of green archaeology, contributing to carbon-free
practices on a small scale.