Ancient Mystery: 7,000-Year-Old Mummies Found in the Sahara with Unique DNA

 

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unearthed two 7,000-year-old mummies in the Takarkori rock shelter, located in the Sahara Desert.

 These naturally preserved remains belong to a previously unknown human lineage, shedding light on a mysterious population that thrived in North Africa during the African Humid Period.

The Sahara, now an arid expanse, was once a lush savanna teeming with life. During this period, early human populations settled in the region, taking advantage of its fertile conditions. 

The newly analyzed mummies, believed to be female herders, provide crucial genetic insights into these ancient inhabitants.

DNA analysis has revealed that these individuals do not share the expected genetic markers of Sub-Saharan African populations. 

Instead, their lineage appears to have diverged from Sub-Saharan groups thousands of years ago, remaining isolated for much of its existence. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about human migration and genetic exchange in prehistoric Africa.

The Takarkori individuals are closely related to 15,000-year-old foragers from Taforalt Cave in Morocco, suggesting a distinct genetic lineage that persisted in North Africa.

 Interestingly, they possess traces of Neanderthal DNA, albeit in lower quantities than other ancient populations. This finding raises intriguing questions about their interactions with other human groups.

Archaeologists and geneticists continue to study these remarkable mummies, hoping to uncover more details about their way of life, cultural practices, and eventual disappearance. 

The discovery of this unique lineage adds a fascinating chapter to the story of human evolution, highlighting the complexity of ancient populations and their enduring mysteries.