Evidence of Slavery in 2,300-Year-Old Egyptian Gold Mine: Iron Shackles Unearthed

Archaeological excavations in the Ghozza region of Egypt have uncovered compelling evidence that some workers in a gold mine dating back approximately 2,300 years to the Ptolemaic period were slaves. The iron shackles discovered at the excavation site indicate that forced labor was widespread in gold mining during this era.

The research, led by historian Jean Pouilloux of the Laboratoire HiSoMA (Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée) in France, suggests that the iron shackles found at the Ghozza excavation site demonstrate that at least some of the workers in an Egyptian gold mine from the Ptolemaic period were slaves.

In an article published in the journal Antiquity, Bérangère Redon provides detailed information about gold mining in Ancient Egypt, explaining why she believes the shackles found at the Ghozza excavation site indicate forced labor in mining.

Gold Mining and Forced Labor in the Ptolemaic Period

As Redon points out, Egypt has a long history of gold mining with sites spread across the country. Especially during the Ptolemaic period, which began after Alexander the Great’s conquest in 332 BC, gold mining gained significant momentum. The gold obtained during this period was vital for financing public projects and military campaigns in the Mediterranean.

Researchers, who have been excavating mining sites in the region for many years, recently focused on Ghozza. Here, they identified two distinct settlement phases in the mine, dating back to the late 3rd century BC.

First Period: Paid Workers and Relatively Comfortable Living

In the first settlement period, there was a settlement resembling a village with structures such as houses, administrative buildings, and baths, and it is understood that workers were paid wages. The marks on the pottery fragments found during the excavations prove that the workers from this period received wages.

Second Period: Forced Labor and Slavery

The situation changed in the second settlement period. While some workers continued to be paid wages, it is understood that others were forced to work. The heavy iron chains found near a storage facility two years ago indicate that forced labor was widespread during this period.

Researchers state that walking with these chains attached to the ankles would make working extremely difficult. They also emphasize that although forced labor is mentioned in historical texts, it is unclear whether the chained workers were prisoners of war, criminals, or slaves.

Cover Photo: Iron shackles on the floor of Room 44.15 (photo by B. Redon). Credit: Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.39