Ancient Egyptian Wrestling Culture: The Beni Hasan Tomb Paintings and the Legacy of Indigenous Grappling Traditions

elleboudy, Mohamed

Description

Abstract

This study examines the historical significance of wrestling culture in ancient Egypt through the famous wrestling scenes depicted in the Beni Hasan tomb paintings dating to approximately 2000 BCE. These paintings provide one of the world’s earliest visual records of organized wrestling techniques, demonstrating that grappling was practiced not only as physical training but also as an important cultural activity. The study analyzes the technical characteristics represented in the paintings, explores the social and military functions of wrestling in ancient Egyptian civilization, and discusses its legacy within the broader history of traditional wrestling. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of documenting indigenous wrestling traditions as part of global cultural heritage and contributes to the comparative research framework promoted by the International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF).

INSF Traditional Wrestling Research Project
International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF)

Project Framework

This paper was prepared as part of the INSF Traditional Wrestling Research Project, an international research initiative coordinated by the International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF). The project promotes the documentation, preservation, and comparative study of indigenous wrestling traditions and warrior cultures from participating countries. National advisors and collaborating researchers contribute country-specific research within the framework of this international academic initiative.

https://zenodo.org/records/21188858