The Genetic Secrets of Teōtīhuacān's Ancients
Decoding the Mitogenomes and Dietary Habits of an Enigmatic Mesoamerican Civilization
Teōtīhuacān, often dubbed the "birthplace of the gods," stands as a testament to ancient Mesoamerican brilliance. Nestled in the Teotihuacan Valley of Mexico, this archaeological marvel has now divulged its genetic secrets, thanks to a groundbreaking study.
Teōtīhuacān's Evolution: From Phase I to the Metropolis
The city's evolution unfolded in four distinctive phases—Teōtīhuacān I, II, III, and IV—commencing around 200-100 BC during the Late Formative era. Phase II, from AD 100 to 350, witnessed exponential population growth, attributed to economic opportunities and, intriguingly, environmental shifts linked to the Xitle volcano eruption.
This crucial period saw the construction of iconic structures like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead, shaping Teōtīhuacān into a metropolis.
Unveiling the Ancient Genomes: A DNA Odyssey
In a recent revelation published in the Annals of Human Biology1, scientists extracted mitochondrial DNA from Teōtīhuacān burials. Employing advanced DNA sequencing techniques, the team overcame the challenges of DNA preservation posed by the region's soil and climate conditions.
The mitochondrial DNA, associated with haplogroups A2, B2, or D1, reflects contemporary Native American lineages. Haplogroup A2 dominated, followed by B2 and D1, mirroring patterns observed in Central Mesoamerican populations.
Genetic Tapestry: Haplogroups A2f2, A2ae, A2d1, B2c1, and D1i
The genomic information unveiled precise haplogroups: A2f2, A2ae, A2d1, B2c1, and D1i. Dr. Mizuno, a key researcher, notes,
"Teōtīhuacān aligns with the Centro-Mesoamerican cluster, revealing intriguing insights into the genetic tapestry of Mesoamerican indigenous populations."
Beyond Genes: Tracing Ancient Diets
The study not only decoded genomes but also delved into dietary habits through isotope analysis. Unveiling a maize-centric diet, the findings align with previous archaeological studies, painting a vivid picture of Teōtīhuacān's dependence on C4 plants, especially maize.
This multidimensional study bridges genetics and archaeology, offering a profound understanding of Teōtīhuacān's ancient inhabitants. As the mysteries of this archaeological marvel continue to unfold, genetic revelations pave the way for a richer narrative of Mesoamerican history.
Mizuno, F., Tokanai, F., Kumagai, M., Ishiya, K., Sugiyama, S., Hayashi, M., Kurosaki, K., & Ueda, S. (2023). Bioarchaeological study of ancient Teotihuacans based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences and diet isotopes. Annals of Human Biology, 50(1), 390–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/03014460.2023.2261844