Genetic time capsule: Oldest DNA discovered in South Africa rewrites human history
LEIPZIG, Germany — In a discovery that challenges our understanding of human history, scientists have successfully decoded the oldest DNA ever found in South Africa. This 10,000-year-old genetic time capsule offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors and paints an unexpected picture of stability in one of the world’s most diverse regions.
While Europe and Asia have long been hotbeds for ancient DNA research, southern Africa — with its wealth of early human evidence — has remained largely unexplored. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Cape Town and Germany’s Max Planck Institute has cracked open this genetic treasure trove, revealing surprising connections between the past and present.
The study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution focused on DNA extracted from the remains of 13 individuals found at Oakhurst rockshelter, a site near George, South Africa. Nine of these samples, dating from approximately 10,000 to 1,300 years ago, yielded enough genetic material for comprehensive analysis. This represents the oldest DNA ever recovered from South Africa.
