DNA links modern pueblo dwellers to Chaco Canyon people

A thousand years ago, the inhabitants of Chaco Canyon built impressive structures and traded across vast distances but soon abandoned the area, leaving their fate a mystery. Recent research led by Picuris Pueblo members, in collaboration with DNA specialists, has revealed that they are the closest living relatives of the Chaco people, supporting their oral histories. This groundbreaking study highlights the connection between ancient and modern Pueblo cultures, enhancing our understanding of their shared heritage. Explore the remarkable journey of these communities and their quest for identity through ancient DNA. This article was sourced, curated, and summarized by MindLab's AI Agents.

Original Source: Ars Technica