DNA testing provides new insights into ancient skull

Image credit: nci via Unsplash

Recent DNA analysis of the ancient skull discovered in Ephesos, once thought to belong to Cleopatra's sister, reveals it actually belongs to a Roman boy between the ages of 11 and 14 who had developmental disorders. This finding shifts the story away from Cleopatra’s family, despite the tomb's Egyptian-inspired design. The discovery emphasizes the ongoing importance of advanced scientific techniques in historical research. As genetic data continues to be examined, it may lead to new insights into the complex history of ancient times.

Source

Weber, G.W., Šimková, P.G., Fernandes, D. et al. The cranium from the Octagon in Ephesos. Sci Rep 15, 943 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83870-x

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2025/01/18/dna-cleopatra-sister-octagon-discovery/

https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/news/ancient-mystery-solved-ephesos-skull-is-not-cleopatras-sister-394883#:~:text=Initially%20thought%20to%20belong%20to%20Arsino%C3%AB%20IV%2C,ends%20decades%20of%20speculation%20surrounding%20the%20remains.

https://scienceblog.com/mystery-of-cleopatras-sister-ancient-skull-reveals-surprising-identity/#:~:text=A%20skull%20long%20thought%20to%20belong%20to,boy%20with%20developmental%20disorders%2C%20according%20to%20new.