Ancient Egyptian Race DNA Testing

One of the most comprehensive studies on the DNA of ancient Egyptians happened by an international team of researchers. Led by geneticist Johannes Krause. In their research, the team analyzed the genomes of 90 mummies. Which dated back over a period of 1,300 years, from roughly 1388 BCE to 426 CE. The study, which was in Nature Communications in May 2017. Found that modern Egyptians share about 58% of their genetic ancestry with ancient Egyptians.

In fact, the researchers also found that ancient Egyptians had genetic ties to the Near East. They had little genetic influence from sub-Saharan African populations. However, a more recent study published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology in December 2020,  It found evidence of Sub-Saharan African ancestry in some ancient Egyptian mummies from Upper Egypt, dating back to around 1400 BCE. The researchers suggest that this genetic diversity may have been due to ancient trade and migration patterns in the region.

Ancient Egyptian Race DNA Testing

In fact, mummies have been done in recent years to study the genetic makeup of the ancient Egyptian population and to determine their ethnic origins. Results have shown that ancient Egyptians had a diverse ancestry that included sub-Saharan African, East African, Middle Eastern and European influences.

Important note.

the concept of race is a social construct and not a biological one, and that ancient populations were not homogeneous. The genetic evidence suggests that ancient Egyptians were a diverse population with a variety of ancestral backgrounds. however, that DNA testing on ancient mummies is a complex and challenging process, and researchers must take into account factors such as sample degradation, contamination, and data gaps. Moreover, the concept of “race” is a social construct and not a biological one. People of ancient times did not necessarily identify as a single race or nationality.