Heritage Album

Now that it has been determined that King Tut belongs to Haplogroup R1b, what are your thoughts?

King Tut belongs to Haplogroup R1b1b2* Family Tree DNA's YSearch.org (YSearch ID: ER7RQ) http://www.ysearch.org/search_search.asp?uid=ER7RQ&submit=Search

Public Comments

1. I had not heard that, just what they said he died from... Well, I guess that means he is a relative (ha!). This DNA stuff is interesting, but I admit to being continually confused. Today I read that the Thracians are genetically related to modern Italians! Hmmm! That ysearch sounds like fun!
2. I'm not surprised by the results. The ancient Egyptians used an embalming technique that required the use of resins that caused the mummies to turn black. This gave the false impression that the ancient Egyptians were African. In fact, the Pharaohs were considered outsiders to the mainstream Egyptian population, which consisted of a diverse cultural background. It's very likely that the white skin also played a role in their status as gods. Race and status in society played a huge role, even 3000 years ago. The lighter the skin color, the higher up the totem pole people were placed in society.
3. What is the source, other than ysearch.org? I haven't heard any statement made by Zahi Hawass.
4. I thinks it pretty cool. I'm curious to see how the afrocentrists will try to explain this. LOL
5. I'm not surprised he didn't have a subsharan dna but thought it more likely he would have a more classic 'north african caucasoid' type. Definitely a bit of a shock for it be such a European strain!
6. I'm a bit surprised as it's an uncommon Y chr type in Egypt. But Eurasian males entered African in several waves about 10k and 8k ago, with the R1b arriving in the Neolithic. You will actually find a large amount of R1b has made it to Cameroon and into the Sudan along with other near Eastern Y chromosomes, so it's not a total shock. I'd love to see the mt DNA type.. maybe we can sweet talk Hawass into releasing it. So far most of the mummies from about 2k ago and older show mainly near eastern mt DNA types with less black ancestry than modern Egyptians have.