| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | First complete genome of an ancient Egyptian sequenced |
| Date of Publication | July 2, 2025, in the journal Nature |
| Age of Individual | 4,500 to 4,800 years old (Old Kingdom period) |
| Location of Discovery | Nuwayrat, a village 265 km south of Cairo |
| Burial Details | Remains buried in a large ceramic pot within a rock-cut tomb |
| Physical Characteristics | Genetically male (XY chromosomes), brown eyes, brown hair, dark to black skin, height between 157.4 cm and 160.5 cm, died aged 44 to 64 years, signs of worn teeth and arthritis |
| Social Status | Belonged to a relatively well-off section of society |
| Scientific Significance | Oldest complete genome from Egypt, first full sequence from the Old Kingdom era, crucial genetic evidence from North Africa's ancient past |
| DNA Preservation | DNA extracted from root tips of the teeth, well-preserved despite hot climate |
| Genetic Ancestry | 78% from ancient North African populations (Neolithic communities from present-day Morocco), 22% from early farmers from Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq, western Iran, southern Syria, and southeast Turkey) |
| Cultural Implications | Evidence of widespread cultural exchanges between Egypt and Mesopotamia, influencing animal domestication, trade, and writing systems |
| Scientific Advancements | Breakthrough in ancient DNA research in hot and arid regions, sets new benchmark for palaeogenomics, reconstructing ancient human migration, and understanding genetic diversity and adaptation |
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