Ancient DNA Reveals Isolated North African Lineage from the Green Sahara

Researchers sequenced 7,000-year-old genomes from Libyan mummies, uncovering a long-isolated lineage and reshaping migration and cultural diffusion theories.

Scientists successfully recovered whole genomes from 7,000-year-old mummies found at the Takarkori rock shelter in Libya, marking a breakthrough in ancient DNA research in extreme environments.
The analysis revealed a previously unknown North African genetic lineage that diverged from other populations around 50,000 years ago and remained isolated for tens of thousands of years.
Findings challenge the idea of the Sahara as a migration corridor, suggesting limited gene flow between North and sub-Saharan Africa during the Green Sahara period.
Evidence indicates that pastoralism in the region spread through cultural diffusion rather than large-scale migration or population replacement.
The Takarkori lineage became extinct approximately 5,000 years ago due to desertification, but traces of its DNA persist in modern North African populations.