Ancient DNA extracted from two 7,000-year-old female mummies in Libya’s Takarkori rock shelter has revealed a previously unknown, genetically isolated population that lived in a lush, green Sahara. Despite their isolation, these early pastoralists, who herded goats and sheep, were culturally connected to other regions through pottery and tools. The findings challenge theories that pastoralism spread through population migration, suggesting instead it came via cultural exchange. Scientists used advanced techniques to recover the first whole genomes from remains found in such a hot, arid environment. The study marks a major breakthrough in understanding human migration and cultural evolution in ancient North Africa, offering new clues about one of humanity’s oldest and most enigmatic communities.
CNN
