Once a lush savanna, the Takarkori rock shelter in southwestern Libya now stands amidst endless sand dunes and barren rock, a stark contrast to its verdant past from around 7,000 years ago. Recent scientific efforts have recovered the first complete genomes from the remains of two women buried at this ancient site. These findings provide a crucial glimpse into the origins of the region’s inhabitants, who thrived in what is referred to as the ‘green Sahara’.
This area was once teeming with wildlife, including elephants and hippos, and was inhabited by early human communities who fished and herded livestock. Scientists focused on the well-preserved remains of the two women, as noted by co-author Savino di Lernia, who emphasised the remarkable preservation of their tissues.
The large-scale genomic analysis revealed surprises, such as the identification of a unique and isolated population in the green Sahara that had likely lived there for tens of thousands of years. The discovery of these genomes represents a significant achievement, as it marks the first successful extraction of whole genomes from remains found in such hot conditions.
Excavations at Takarkori began in 2003, with the first mummy found shortly after the start. Researchers now surmise that this small community may have migrated as part of the initial human expansion from Africa over 50,000 years ago. Study coauthor Harald Ringbauer pointed out the unusual genetic isolation of the group compared to more mixed populations in Europe, indicating that the Takarkori inhabitants did not serve as a corridor linking sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa despite favourable historical conditions.
Previous interpretations based on cave paintings and other findings had suggested these early residents practiced pastoralism, potentially originating from Near Eastern farmers. However, genetic evidence contradicts this notion, indicating that their pastoral practices likely developed through cultural exchanges rather than external population influx.
Di Lernia noted the genetic isolation contrasted with active cultural networks, as evidenced by pottery shared across different regions. This suggests that although they were genetically distinct, their cultural practices were influenced by interactions with neighbouring groups.
Further analysis indicated a healthy population size without signs of inbreeding, suggesting some movement and connections, thus complicating ideas of a long-isolated group. Louise Humphrey from the Natural History Museum affirmed the study’s findings on genetic isolation and cultural diffusion’s role in the establishment of pastoralism in the region.
The recovery of DNA from the mummies was particularly challenging due to environmental conditions, but advances in techniques allowed scientists to successfully sequence the genomes. This holistic approach to genetic material opens avenues for future research into human migrations and cultural changes across the Sahara, underscoring the intricate history of humankind in this ancient desert landscape.