Scientists have unearthed mummies dating back 7,000 years from the Takarkori rock shelter in the Sahara, revealing a surprising genetic history. Analysis of the remains of Neolithic female herders shows they didn't share DNA with modern humans, nor did they possess the expected Sub-Saharan genes. This discovery challenges existing assumptions about the region's ancient population dynamics during the Green Sahara period.

The mummies are genetically linked to other North African peoples, indicating a previously unknown ancestry. The team, led by archaeogeneticist Nada Salem, found these individuals were closely related to 15,000-year-old foragers from Taforalt Cave in Morocco. These findings suggest limited gene flow between Sub-Saharan and North African groups during this time, reshaping our understanding of the Sahara's past.

The research suggests pastoralism spread through cultural diffusion rather than large-scale migrations, a new perspective on the area's agricultural development. The Takarkori people's isolation, likely due to diverse environments, further supports this theory. The findings offer a glimpse into a time when the Sahara was a flourishing savannah, supporting early human populations before the desertification.

Further analysis of these mummies could uncover more about the Green Sahara period. The study, published in *Nature*, opens new avenues for exploring the complex history of human migration and cultural exchange in North Africa. Researchers will likely continue to examine the genetic makeup of other ancient remains to better understand this pivotal era.