Rewriting Ancient Egyptian History with DNA Bone Tests

How DNA Testing is Revolutionizing Archaeology

The ancient history of Egypt may be rewritten following a DNA analysis of mummified bones that revealed the genetic makeup of the Egyptian population stretched back further than previously thought. The team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen examined the remains of dozens of mummified people and found that the genetic continuity extended far back beyond what was previously believed. The study, published in Science Advances, analyzed the mitochondrial DNA of 90 individuals from a collection of mummies dating back to approximately 8000 BC to the 2nd century AD. Previously, it was believed that the Egyptian population had a linear structure, with few genetic changes over time. However, the study found that there were in fact multiple waves of migrations and genetic mixing. The analysis revealed that Ancient Egyptians shared a striking similarity to modern Egyptians, as well as populations from the Levant and Europe. The findings shed new light on the intricate cultural, physical, and genetic shifts that occurred in Egypt over the course of its long history and may inspire new questions and excavations to further illuminate this ancient civilization.