The word Achondroplasia is derived from the Greek
Language meaning "without cartilage formation," and has been traced
as far back as to the "Predynastic Period", (5,500 – 3,100 BC.)
more then 7,500 years ago. This was the most serious congenital
abnormality recorded in ancient Egypt.
achon–dro–pla–sia:
a genetic disorder disturbing normal growth of cartilage, resulting
in a form of dwarfism characterized by a usually normal torso and
shortened limbs, and usually inherited as an autosomal (a
chromosome other than a sex chromosome) dominant. {exerting genetic
dominance}. The gene for Achondroplasia has been found. It is
called fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3).
The cause of Achondroplasia is believed to be linked directly to
{Inbreeding}. This was commonly practiced in
ancient Greece and ancient Egypt within Royal Families in order to
keep the wealth in the family. Inbreeding between brother and
sister was in fact practiced within Royal families and even married
and so were first and second cousins.
There are many marriages in many societies, including the Arab
society, that still practice {Inbreeding}, for example, it was
found that the proportion of inbreeding marriages between Saudi's
are 57.7%, which is the largest among the countries of the world in
the rates of marriages. The increase in Kuwait are about 40% of the
total marriages, and are about 49% in Palestine and 38% in Egypt.
This ratio decreases significantly in Western countries to about 1%
of the number of marriages in America.
The following terms are very Offensive to people who are
inflicted with Achondroplasia:
Midget
Dwarf or Dwarfs
Dwarfism.
They are Commonly known as Little People and should be addressed
as such, and prefer to be called by their given birth name..
Matt & Amy Roloff:
"One thing I wish people would understand about little people, is
that we can pretty much do what everyone else does, but just in a
different way".
Ancient Egypt was one of the most advanced and productive
civilizations in antiquity, spanning 3000 years before the
Christian era.
Ancient Egyptians built colossal temples and magnificent tombs
to honor their gods and religious leaders.
Their hieroglyphic language, system of organization, and
recording of events give contemporary researchers insights into
their daily activities.
Based on the record left by their art, the ancient Egyptians
documented the presence of dwarfs in almost every
facet of life.
Due to the hot dry climate and natural and artificial
mummification, Egypt is a major source of information on
Achondroplasia in the old world.
The remains of dwarfs are abundant and include
complete and partial skeletons.
Dwarfs were employed as personal attendants,
animal tenders, jewelers, and entertainers.
Several high–ranking dwarfs especially from the
Old Kingdom (2700–2190 BC) achieved important status and had lavish
burial places close to the pyramids.
Their costly tombs in the royal cemeteries and the inscriptions
on their statutes indicate their high–ranking position in Egyptian
society and their close relation to the king.
Some of them were Seneb, Pereniankh, Khnumhotpe, and
Djeder. There were at least two dwarf gods, Ptah
and Bes. The god Ptah was associated with regeneration and
rejuvenation.
The god Bes was a protector of sexuality, childbirth, women, and
children. He was a favored {deity}
particularly during the Greco-Roman period.
His temple was recently excavated in the Baharia oasis in the
middle of Egypt.
The burial sites and artistic sources provide glimpses of the
positions of dwarfs in daily life in ancient
Egypt.
Dwarfs were accepted in ancient Egypt; their
recorded daily activities suggest assimilation into daily life, and
their disorder was not shown as a physical handicap.
Wisdom writings and moral teachings in ancient Egypt commanded
respect for dwarfs and other individuals with
disabilities.
© 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The earliest skeletal remains for dwarfs in ancient Egypt date
to 4,500 years ago.
The profile figure of the dwarf Djeho depicts the
owner at life-size measuring 120 cm {4 feet tall}. His naked figure
is carved on the lid of his sarcophagus, which is made out of
granite and is of superb workmanship. It is on display at Cairo
Museum, Egypt. The sarcophagus dates to the late period during the
time of King Nectanebo II {360 BC. – 343 BC.}, that's roughly
between {2,349 and 2,366} years old. The figure shows an accurate
depiction of the features of Achondroplasia. The dwarf Djeho has a
prominent forehead, depressed nasal bridge, and an enlarged
anterior-posterior diameter of his skull. His hands are short and
reach to the hips and both upper and lower limbs reveal proximal
shortening. The back shows some degree of kyphosis, (Curvature of
the Spine), the abdomen is protruded, and he has male genitalia.
Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the lid indicate that he belonged to
the household of a high official.
