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• Salamon, M.
• Tzur, S.
• Arensburg, B.
• Zias, J.
• Nagar, Y.
• Weiner, S.
• Boaretto, E.

DNA from fossil human bones can provide valuable information for understanding intra‐ andinter‐population relationships. Using the DNA preserved inside crystal aggregates from human fossilbones containing relatively large amounts of collagen, we demonstrate the presence of reproduciblemtDNA control region sequences. Radiocarbon dates from each bone show that the burialcaves were used for up to 600 years during the Chalcolithic period (5th‐4th millennium BP). A comparison of the ancient DNA sequences with modern mtDNA databases indicates that all samplescan most likely be assigned to the R haplogroup sub‐clades, which are common in West‐Eurasia. Infour cases more precise and confident haplogroup identifications could be achieved (H, U3a andH6). The H haplogroup is present in three out of the four assigned ancient samples. This haplogroupis prevalent today in West – Eurasia. The results reported here tend to genetically link this Chalcolithic group of individuals to the current West Eurasian populations.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

aDNA, bone crystal aggregates, population genetics, collagen preservation, haplogroups, Chalcolithic Caves, Wadi el‐Makkukh

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