The lead concentration in bones and teeth was determined in well-preserved Nubian skeletons from the period 3300 B.C. to 750 A.D., as well as in individuals from present-day Denmark. The analyses were performed blind in 2 different laboratories, and the results were in close agreement. Compared to contemporary lead levels in Denmark, the oldest Nubian bones contained about 10-fold less lead, while the teeth contained about 30-fold less lead. Small increases in lead retention of Nubians during historical time periods were associated with early uses of lead. -- AATA