Whole-genome ancestry of an Old Kingdom Egyptian.

ABSTRACT: Ancient Egyptian society flourished for millennia, reaching its peak during the Dynastic Period (approximately 3150-30 BCE). However, owing to poor DNA preservation, questions about regional interconnectivity over time have not been addressed because whole-genome sequencing has not yet been possible. Here we sequenced a 2× coverage whole genome from an adult male Egyptian excavated at Nuwayrat (Nuerat, نويرات). Radiocarbon dated to 2855-2570 cal. BCE, he lived a few centuries after Egyptian unification, bridging the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods. The body was interred in a ceramic pot within a rock-cut tomb¹, potentially contributing to the DNA preservation. Most of his genome is best represented by North African Neolithic ancestry, among available sources at present. Y

SUBMITTER: Morez Jacobs A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12367555 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature