A global consortium of researchers has successfully sequenced the complete genome of adult male Egyptians from over four millennia ago, predating the unification of Egypt and enriching our understanding of the early dynastic period and prior kingdoms.
The Nevamun hunt in the swamp with his wife and daughter is part of a mural from Chapelle, the tomb of Nevamun in the New Kingdom, in 1350 BC. Image credit: Werner Forman Archive/Bridgeman Images.
Dr. Pontus Skoglund from the Francis Crick Institute stated:
“While Ancient Egypt offers a rich tapestry of history and archaeology, the challenges of DNA preservation have rendered the genomic records of early Egyptian ancestors largely unparalleled.”
“Recent advances in genetic technology have enabled us to transcend these barriers and mitigate DNA contamination, giving us the first genetic insights into potential migrations of Egyptian populations during this era.”
In this research, scientists obtained and sequenced DNA from individual teeth belonging to Nuway rats from a village located 265 km south of Cairo.
Through analysis of the genetic code, they discovered that a significant portion of the individual’s ancestry traced back to ancient populations in North Africa.
The remaining 20% of ancestry linked to ancient peoples from the fertile crescent, particularly from a region known as Mesopotamia (roughly corresponding to modern Iraq).
These findings provide genetic proof that populations migrated to Egypt, intermingling with the local populace—previously revealed only through archaeological artifacts.
However, researchers caution that additional genomic sequences are required to fully comprehend the variations among Egyptian ancestors during this period.
By examining the chemical markers found in teeth related to diet and environmental factors, they concluded that these individuals likely grew up in Egypt.
They also analyzed skeletal remains to estimate age, gender, height, and gather insights into their ancestry and way of life.
These markers indicated that the skeleton exhibited muscle markings suggestive of prolonged occupations, such as pottery or other trades requiring similar movements.
“By piecing together the evidence from this individual’s DNA, bones, and teeth, we were able to construct a detailed portrait,” remarked Dr. Adeline Mores Jacobs from Liverpool John Moores University.
“We anticipate that future DNA samples from ancient Egypt will enhance our understanding of this migration from West Asia.”
“This individual’s life story is remarkable,” noted Dr. Linus Girdland Flink, co-author from Liverpool John Moores University.
“He lived and died during a pivotal moment in ancient Egypt, with his skeleton excavated in 1902 and subsequently donated to the World Museum in Liverpool.”
“We are beginning to uncover this individual’s story, revealing ancestral connections to the fertile crescent and illustrating the intermingling of diverse groups during this time.”
“The skeletal markings provide significant clues about his personal life and lifestyle. His pelvic bones are enlarged, showing extensive activity, and his arms exhibit signs of repetitive motion, while his right foot displays notable arthritis.”
“These findings suggest a connection to ceramics, possibly involving the use of ceramic wheels in ancient Egypt.”
“Nonetheless, the elevated burial status associated with his remains is not typically expected for potters, indicating he may have achieved a higher social standing.”
study published in the journal Nature.
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A. Mores Jacobs et al. The genomes of the ancestors of the Old Kingdom Egyptians. Nature, published on July 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09195-5
Source: www.sci.news
