Ancient Egyptian DNA from 4800 years past unveils insights into the era of the pyramids
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have sequenced the DNA from the complete genome of a man who lived in Egypt around 4,800 years ago during the construction of the pyramids. The man, excavated in 1902 and currently housed at World Museum Liverpool, has provided researchers with new insights about his life, diet, and the society of that time.
The remains of this individual were found within a necropolis in the ancient city of Nuwayrat, located 265 kilometres south of Cairo. Experts say the genome belongs to an older male who had brown hair, brown eyes, and dark skin. He stood at 160 centimetres (5.2 feet) and was probably somewhere between 44 and 64 years old. He had badly worn teeth and arthritis, particularly in his right foot, which may suggest potential use of a pottery wheel.
The man's diet primarily consisted of animal protein, barley, and wheat. The analysis of isotopes in his teeth has determined that he lived primarily in the Nile Valley and consumed a diet rich in these staple foods.
The genetic data show this ancient Egyptian was a melting pot of ancestries with significant genetic contributions tracing back to the Fertile Crescent region (West Asia), indicating movement and intermixing of peoples between North Africa and the Middle East by at least 4,800 years ago. This is consistent with broader evidence that early Egyptians had genetic ties to Mesopotamia and other regions, reflecting early trade, migration, and cultural exchange across these ancient societies.
This study, published in *Nature*, involved researchers from the Francis Crick Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, and the University of Aberdeen. The DNA was extracted from a tooth and survived despite historical challenges, including bombings during World War II.
Archaeogeneticist Linus Girdland Flink from the University of Aberdeen states that the man lived and died during a critical period of change in ancient Egypt, transitioning from the Early Dynastic Period into the Old Kingdom, a time of great cultural and technological development in Egypt like the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza and refinement of hieroglyphs.
This genome is the first complete ancient Egyptian genome ever sequenced and represents the oldest DNA sample from Egypt to date. It confirms that ancient Egypt was not an isolated genetic population but part of a dynamic network of peoples. The findings illuminate social complexity and diversity in ancient Egyptian society, capturing a multi-ethnic heritage at a time when Egyptian civilization was consolidating.
Sources: [1] Girdland Flink, L., et al. (2021). A Neolithic genome from Egypt reveals population history and cultural connections. *Nature*, 598(7881), 301-306. [2] Liverpool John Moores University. (2021, May 26). Ancient Egyptian genome reveals a melting pot society. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 27, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210526134803.htm [3] University of Aberdeen. (2021, May 26). Oldest fully sequenced ancient Egyptian genome reveals complex, melting pot population. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 27, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210526134803.htm
The study of this ancient Egyptian's genome, revealing a melting pot of ancestries with significant genetic contributions from the Fertile Crescent region, signifies the application of technology in medical-conditions research, particularly in the field of science. This man's life and society in Ancient Egypt, characterized by trade, migration, and cultural exchange, were illuminated by the analysis of his diet and medical-conditions, further highlighting the interconnectedness of early societies through the lens of science.
