DNA extracted from ancient Egyptian remains reveals profound ties to Mesopotamia, tracing about 20% of the man’s ancestry to the Fertile Crescent.
The genome, sequenced from teeth roots preserved inside a ceramic vessel, is the first full ancient Egyptian genome ever decoded.
This man lived roughly 4,500 to 4,800 years ago during Egypt’s Old Kingdom, a time marked by pyramid-building and flourishing civilization.
His remains were found near Beni Hassan, about 170 miles south of Cairo, buried in a sealed pot inside a rock-cut tomb.
Researchers estimate he was about 60 years old and likely worked as a potter, suggested by muscle markings and skeletal traits.
Despite his probable working-class occupation, his tomb’s grandeur implies he held a respected status, possibly due to exceptional skill.
Around 80% of his DNA links to local North African populations, while 20% connects to Mesopotamia, indicating strong genetic and cultural ties.
These findings echo archaeological evidence of trade, shared artistic motifs, and the spread of innovations like the pottery wheel from Mesopotamia to Egypt.
Recovering ancient DNA from Egypt is notoriously difficult because its hot climate accelerates genetic degradation over millennia.
Experts credit the unique burial method—inside a ceramic vessel—and the absence of mummification for the remarkable DNA preservation.
“This discovery sheds light on human movement and interaction between two cradle civilizations,” said lead geneticist Adeline Morez Jacobs.
The man’s skeleton showed signs of aging and illness, including osteoporosis and a severe tooth infection left untreated.
This breakthrough enriches understanding of ancient Egyptian population dynamics during a pivotal era of human history.
The study was published in the journal Nature, marking a milestone in paleogenetics and ancient DNA research.