In pre-colonial South America, sambaqui builders ruled the coast for thousands of years. Their fate remained enigmatic — until now.
In pre-colonial South America, sambaqui builders ruled the coast for thousands of years. Their fate remained enigmatic — until now. They were the 'kings of the coast' for thousands and thousands of years. They vanished suddenly about 2,000 years ago." The researchers analyzed the genomes of 34 samples from different coastal areas in Brazil, dating back at least 10,000 years.
The materials, including Luzio's remains, were sourced from sambaquis and other sites across eight locations.
An example of the iconic sambaquis built by south America's oldest coastal communities. Thigruner/Wikimedia Commons Previously, scientists believed Luzio might have belonged to a biologically distinct population from present-day Amerindians, who settled in Brazil around 14,000 years ago.
However, this latest study debunks that notion. "Genetic analysis showed Luzio to be an Amerindian, like the Tupi, Quechua, or Cherokee," stated Strauss. The genetic evidence also sheds light on the evolution of Brazil's ancient societies. It suggests that there were two separate migrations—one into the hinterland and another along the coast, giving rise to the diverse communities found in the southeast and south of Brazil. headtopics.com