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Ancient Genomes Reveal North African Lineage's Surprising Origins

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Genetic analysis of two naturally mummified women from southern Libya, dating back 7,000 years, reveals a distinct North African lineage with minimal sub-Saharan ancestry.
Nada Salem of the Max Planck Institute led the study, which suggests herding practices spread through cultural diffusion rather than mass migration.
The genomes link to ancient hunter-gatherers from Morocco, indicating limited gene flow between northern and southern North Africa and challenging prior population-history ideas.

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Story summary

Genetic analysis of two naturally mummified women from southern Libya, dating back 7,000 years, reveals a distinct North African lineage with minimal sub-Saharan ancestry.
Nada Salem of the Max Planck Institute led the study, which suggests herding practices spread through cultural diffusion rather than mass migration.
The genomes link to ancient hunter-gatherers from Morocco, indicating limited gene flow between northern and southern North Africa and challenging prior population-history ideas.