Ancient DNA Reveals Diverse Communities of the Inca Empire
In a recent study published in the journal science advances, ancient DNA was used to reveal the origins of workers buried more than 500 years ago in the Inca Empire, specifically at the Machu Picchu site.
The research team, led by Jason Nesbitt, associate professor of archaeology in the College of Liberal Arts at Tulane University, conducted genetic testing of people buried at the Machu Picchu site to gain deeper insight into the lives and identities of its inhabitants.
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Cusco region of Peru, was once a royal palace of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu also hosted the elite of Inca society, their followers, and workers, many of whom resided on the estate year-round.
Contrary to the hypothesis, this study, backed by DNA evidence, finally confirms the diverse backgrounds of these residents. As Nesbitt says, the results of this study provide important insights into the lives of “retainer groups,” a window into the world of those of lower status rather than focusing solely on elites and royalty.
The DNA analysis conducted in this study is similar to a modern genetic ancestry research kit. By comparing the DNA of the 34 people buried at Machu Picchu with that of people from different regions within the Inca Empire and the modern genome of South America, the researchers aimed to determine the genetic kinship between them.
The DNA analysis revealed that these people came from different regions of the Inca Empire. Interestingly, very little DNA was shared among these people, suggesting that they were brought to Machu Picchu individually and not as part of a family or community. This finding provides valuable insight into the diverse origins of the people who once lived at this extraordinary site.
Commenting on the results, Nesbitt said, “Of course, genetics does not lead to ethnicity, for example. This study reinforces many other studies done at Machu Picchu and other Inca sites.”
The DNA analysis corroborates historical documentation and archaeological research associated with the burials. This research is part of a larger movement in archaeology to combine traditional archaeological techniques with new technologies and scientific analysis. This combination of disciplines will lead to a more complete understanding of what has been found.
Source: Ancient DNA Reveals Diverse Communities of the Inca Empire
Painting in the sand at the beach. Our ancestors did the same thing 140,000 years ago.