Leveraging the power of ancient DNA, scientists have unveiled the widespread origins of the labor force interred at the Inca’s “Lost City,” Machu Picchu. The research significantly broadens our knowledge of the societal structure during the pinnacle of the Inca Empire.
Who were the inhabitants of Machu Picchu at its prime? Freshly published research in the Science Advances journal utilizes ancient DNA to expose the roots of workers laid to rest over 500 years ago within the vanished Inca Empire.
A research group, including Jason Nesbitt, an associate professor of archaeology at the School of Liberal Arts, Tulane University, carried out genetic investigations on the remains found at Machu Picchu. Their goal was to uncover more about the individuals who resided and labored there.
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Cusco region of Peru, is globally renowned as one of the most impressive archaeological destinations. Drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, it was once part of the Inca Empire’s royal estate.
Machu Picchu, akin to other royal estates, housed not only royalty and high-ranking Inca society members but also servants and workers. Many of these individuals lived on the estate throughout the year and did not necessarily originate from the surrounding locality. This research is the first to confirm, through DNA proof, the diverse origins of these individuals. “The information is not about elites and royalty, but about the people of lower status,” stated Nesbitt. “These were the retainers’ burials.”
The researchers utilized a DNA analysis method similar to contemporary genetic ancestry tests. They contrasted the DNA of 34 individuals interred at Machu Picchu with that of individuals from various regions of the Inca Empire and modern South American genomes to establish potential relationships.
The DNA test outcomes revealed that these individuals hailed from all corners of the Inca Empire, with some even originating from as far as Amazonia. Few of them shared DNA, indicating they were brought to Machu Picchu individually, not as part of a family or community group.
“Indeed, genetics does not translate into ethnicity or anything similar,” Nesbitt said regarding the results. “However, it shows that they have distinct origins within different parts of the Inca Empire.”
“This study does affirm the findings of many other research types conducted at Machu Picchu and other Inca sites,” added Nesbitt. The DNA analysis bolsters historical records and archaeological evaluations of the artifacts discovered alongside the burials.
This research exemplifies the larger trend in archaeology to integrate traditional archaeological methods with cutting-edge technology and scientific analysis, leading to a more holistic understanding of the findings.
Reference: “Insights into the genetic histories and lifeways of Machu Picchu’s occupants” by Lucy Salazar, Richard Burger, Janine Forst, Rodrigo Barquera, Jason Nesbitt, Jorge Calero, Eden Washburn, John Verano, Kimberly Zhu, Korey Sop, Kalina Kassadjikova, Bebel Ibarra Asencios, Roberta Davidson, Brenda Bradley, Johannes Krause and Lars Fehren-Schmitz, 26 July 2023, Science Advances.
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3377
The National Science Foundation, the German Scientific Foundation, the Albert’s Fund, and the President’s Office at Yale funded the study.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ancient DNA Machu Picchu
What was the main objective of the research conducted on Machu Picchu?
The main objective of the research was to use ancient DNA analysis to learn more about the people who lived and worked at Machu Picchu during the height of the Inca Empire.
Who conducted the research on Machu Picchu’s past inhabitants?
The research was conducted by a team of scientists, including associate professor of archaeology at Tulane University’s School of Liberal Arts, Jason Nesbitt.
What method did the researchers use to determine the origins of the workers at Machu Picchu?
The researchers used a method similar to modern genetic ancestry kits. They compared the DNA of 34 individuals buried at Machu Picchu to that of individuals from other places around the Inca Empire and some modern South American genomes.
What did the DNA analysis reveal about the individuals buried at Machu Picchu?
The DNA analysis revealed that the individuals came from various parts of the Inca Empire, with some even originating from as far as Amazonia. Few of them shared DNA, suggesting that they were brought to Machu Picchu as individuals, not as part of a family or community group.
Who funded the research on Machu Picchu?
The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, the German Scientific Foundation, the Albert’s Fund, and the President’s Office at Yale.
More about Ancient DNA Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Inca Empire – History
- Science Advances Journal
- Tulane University’s School of Liberal Arts
- National Science Foundation
- German Scientific Foundation
5 comments
so they weren’t just local folk huh? Amazing how diverse the Inca empire was… Can’t wait to visit Machu Picchu someday!
visted Machu Pichu last year! never thought about who the ppl who lived there were or where they came from. gives you a whole new perspective…
I mean its like 23andMe but for dead folks. seriously though, imagine what we can learn about past civilizations with this kind of technology.
Its pretty impressive how far we’ve come in archeology. Not just digging up old pots and bones, but now we’re digging up the very DNA of the people who lived then.
Wow, this is incredible stuff! Really brings the past to life in a whole new way. Hats off to the researchers!