Moscow, September 28, 2024 (TV BRICS) – Scientists from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa have reconstructed the oldest human DNA ever found in the region. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.
The study was conducted on human remains found at the Oakhurst rock shelter in the Western Cape Province.
The DNA is about 10,000 years old, making it the oldest in South Africa. Previously, the oldest DNA in the region had only been dated at around 2,000 years old.
The researchers sequenced the genomes of 13 people who lived between 1,300 and 10,000 years ago.
The results showed that genetically, the ancient people from the Oakhurst rock shelter are very similar to modern-day San and Khoekhoe groups living in the same region.
Scientists consider the Oakhurst rock shelter an ideal place to study human history as it has preserved more than 40 human burials and artefacts, such as stone tools that are 12,000 years old.
The new discovery sheds light on human history in South Africa and helps to better understand the genetic diversity of people living in the region.