For the first time, scientists have sequenced the full genome of a 4,800-year-old Egyptian man. The DNA reveals North African roots with Mesopotamian links—reshaping our understanding of ancient Egypt.

The oldest known Egyptian DNA sample, from a man who lived between 4,500 to 4,800 years ago, offers new insights into the potential ancestry of those who belonged to the enduring civilization.

But while experts now know a fair amount about ancient Egyptian life, they still understand very little about the population’s genetic makeup. Researchers have genomically analyzed three specimens to date,