Parabon NanoLabs researchers use DNA data extracted from mummified remains to digitally reconstruct the appearance of three men who lived in ancient Egypt over 2 years ago
This was done thanks to the discovery of scientists from the German Institute for the History of Humanity named after Max Planck. In 2017, they managed to decipher the genomes of 90 mummies aged from 2023 to 2797 years. Prior to this, researchers believed that DNA sequencing was impossible due to the hot desert climate and the chemicals used for mummification.
The mummies whose faces were reconstructed came to Europe from the ancient Egyptian city south of Cairo – Abusir el-Melek. They were buried there between 1380 BC. and 425 AD. To make three-dimensional models of appearance, experts at Parabon NanoLabs used forensic DNA phenotyping, which is used to genetically analyze and predict facial features and other physical aspects of human appearance.
Scientists determined that the men had light brown skin, dark eyes and hair, and no freckles. Based on the data obtained, they created XNUMXD meshes describing facial features, and then heat maps to highlight the differences between the three people and bring out the details of each face. After that, the medical examiner combined the results of the studies in a three-dimensional model.
According to scientists, the DNA of mummies is closer to the genetic composition not of modern Egyptians, but of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean or the Middle East.
Scientists believe that the process used to reconstruct the faces of mummies could also be used to recognize and study modern remains.