02-19-2017, 05:47 AM
I'm a sceptic. Using modern, living people, then setting a "genetic distance" back to an event just over 1,500 ago cannot be accurate. It's speculation.
On the other hand, when DNA samples are taken from a large number of ancient specimens, especially if the they have not overly deteriorated, a specialist can produce accurate results. As mentioned above, the real problem is contamination from those handling the ancient material. Luckily, several labs are being more careful than previously. Actual ancient DNA is an incredible tool for understanding cultures not thoroughly recorded in historical documents.
On the other hand, when DNA samples are taken from a large number of ancient specimens, especially if the they have not overly deteriorated, a specialist can produce accurate results. As mentioned above, the real problem is contamination from those handling the ancient material. Luckily, several labs are being more careful than previously. Actual ancient DNA is an incredible tool for understanding cultures not thoroughly recorded in historical documents.
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
