MyHeritage, a global leader in family history and DNA testing, has launched Ancient Origins, a groundbreaking feature that allows users to trace their ancestry back 10,000 years. This new advancement complements the platform’s existing DNA ethnicity reports by incorporating the latest developments in archaeogenetics. Users can now discover connections to historical populations such as Imperial Romans, Norse Vikings, Phoenicians, and Ancient Egyptians—a feature not offered by any other major genealogy service.
A Revolutionary Step in DNA Ethnicity Analysis
Ancient Origins is the result of a partnership between MyHeritage and Illustrative DNA, a pioneering company in ancient DNA analysis. While traditional ethnicity estimates provide insights into ancestry over the past few hundred years, this new feature compares users’ DNA with ancient samples dating from the Neolithic Period to the late Middle Ages.
Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage, highlighted the significance of this development, stating:
“DNA testing continues to fascinate millions worldwide. Ancient Origins is a must-have for those curious about their deep historical roots. It adds a vital layer to the family story and enhances the MyHeritage experience. We’ve also integrated AI avatars representing ancient civilisations, bringing history to life in an engaging and educational way.”
Bringing Ancient Civilisations to Life
This innovative tool enables users to see a percentage breakdown of their DNA linked to ancient populations and explore how their ancestry evolved through different historical eras. With the aid of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) maps, users can visualise their genetic proximity to ancient groups, gaining a deeper understanding of their lineage.
Users will also have access to an encyclopaedia of ancient populations, detailing groups that have either merged into modern societies or ceased to exist, including the Canaanites, Scythians, Visigoths, and Etruscans.
Esad Zahid Özcan and Samet Mermer, co-founders of Illustrative DNA, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We’ve long admired MyHeritage’s leadership in consumer DNA testing. Ancient DNA analysis is constantly improving with new discoveries, and we’re thrilled that our research will now be accessible to millions of MyHeritage users.”
How Ancient Origins Works
The tool leverages advanced DNA extraction techniques to analyse samples retrieved from archaeological sites worldwide. Researchers date and identify genetic markers thousands of years old, linking them to historical civilisations through scientific studies. MyHeritage users’ DNA is then compared to these samples, with results presented in detailed, visually engaging reports.
Key features of Ancient Origins include:
- Breakdown of ancient populations in users’ ancestry across historical eras
- Insights into DNA traces from early hunter-gatherers and ancient farmers
- Identification of the closest ancient populations based on genetic similarities
- PCA maps visualising users’ genetic connections to ancient groups
Exclusive Access for MyHeritage Users
Ancient Origins is available to all MyHeritage DNA customers, as well as individuals who have tested with other services and uploaded their DNA data to MyHeritage. It is a premium feature, included with a Complete or Omni subscription, which also provides periodic updates as new research emerges.
Subscribers already enrolled in MyHeritage’s top-tier plans can access Ancient Origins at no extra cost. The feature is currently available on desktop and mobile web, with support for the MyHeritage mobile app coming soon.
