The Tutankhamun DNA Project
Are you a direct male descendant of the pharaohs? iGENEA exclusively publishes the Y-DNA profile of Tutankhamun and searches for his last living relatives.
In 2009, extensive DNA tests were carried out on Tutankhamun's mummy and other members of his family. However, these were only partially published in February 2010. The results of the Y-DNA test have been kept under wraps despite several requests. iGENEA, with the help of a Discovery Channel recording, has now succeeded in reconstructing the Y-DNA profile of Tutankhamun, his father Akhenaten and his grandfather Amenophis III. The astonishing result:
Tutankhamun belongs to the haplogroup R-M269, to which more than 50% of all men in Western Europe belong today.
Search for relatives living today
In the current Tutankhamun project, we are now searching for the closest relatives of Tutankhamun's male lineage living today in Europe. To participate in the Tutankhamun DNA Project, order an iGENEA Premium or Expert test. If your profile matches Tutankhamun's in all 16 markers, we will refund the price of the test and you will receive a free test extension.Background
Haplogroup R-M269 originated in the region around the Black Sea about 9,500 years ago. The earliest immigration of this group to Europe was with the spread of agriculture from 7,000 BC, most likely there is also a strong connection with the Indo-Europeans, who spread to Europe in several waves a little later.In Egypt today, this group makes up less than 1% and is certainly partly due to European immigration during the last 2,000 years.
Tutankhamun was the last pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, reigning from 1332 to 1323 BC. His paternal lineage begins with Pharaoh Thutmosis I who ruled from about 1504 BC to 1492 BC. His paternal lineage is unknown.
Therefore, it is unclear at present how this lineage came to Egypt from the area of origin. The earliest evidence of agriculture is known from around 5,000 BC, it is possible that already with the spread of agriculture from the Fertile Crescent region, haplogroup R-M269 arrived in Egypt from the north.
Likewise, the fourth wave of spread of the presumably Indo-European Kurgan culture between 2,500 and 2,200 BC comes into question. This culture spread already from about 4.400 B.C. also to Europe whereby the connection with the haplogroup R-M269 can be explained. Haplogroup R-M269 was certainly also widespread in the empire of the Indo-European Hittites in Anatolia. From the reign of Akhenaten or Tutankhamun a letter from an Egyptian queen has survived from the archives of the Hittites. In this letter she asks the king of the Hittites for one of his sons as the new pharaoh, since her husband was dead and she had no son.
The identity of the queen is still unclear, but possibly there were kinship relations between the 18th dynasty of Egypt and the Hittites, the origin of the R-M269 line of pharaohs could indicate this.
Only future research will be able to clarify the exact relationships. With the publication of this test result we want to contribute to the scientific discussion and bring it further forward. Order DNA origin analysis
My Unveiled Genetic Link With Tutankhamun: A Riveting iGENEA DNA Test Experience
My DNA test with iGENEA brought a profound revelation - I share a common ancestor with Tutankhamun! The testing process was transparent, educational, and fascinating, providing me with a unique connection to my ancient past. (D. Birckenbach)
What a profound revelation it was for me when I discovered through iGENEA that I share common ancestors with Tutankhamun! My journey of uncovering my ancient roots with iGENEA was truly a riveting one. I was previously unaware of the many wonders that a simple analysis of my DNA could reveal, and I'm grateful that iGENEA made it all so convenient and enlightening for me.
The iGENEA testing kit arrived in my mail, properly sealed and securely packed. The instructions provided in the kit were quite clear, concise, and easy to follow. I swiftly collected my saliva sample - a non-invasive and straightforward procedure - and sent it back. When my online profile was set up, I found the interface to be user-friendly and well organized. The robust privacy policy of iGENEA was reassuring, ensuring that my personal data and test results would strictly remain confidential.
The waiting period for the results was full of anticipation. While I waited, I took advantage of iGENEA’s in-depth historical information and its online forums. I got an opportunity to learn more about human migration patterns, ancient civilizations, and genetic genealogy. The community has been welcoming and informative, adding a special social dimension to the process.
Then came the day when I received a notification that my results were ready. I was left absolutely fascinated! The detailed report clarified that I curiously shared the rare paternal genetic marker with Tutankhamun, the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. It was incredible to think that a part of my genetic code was shared by a legendary figure who reigned over Egypt over 3000 years ago.
The team at iGENEA explained that though this lineage connection doesn't mean I'm directly descended from Tutankhamun himself, we do share a common ancestor. It was a historical and deeply personal puzzle piece that has made me feel more connected to my ancient past.
In conclusion, my experience with iGENEA has been phenomenal, enlightening and exceeding my expectations in every way. Not only did the DNA test reveal an intriguing genetic tie with ancient Egyptian royalty, but the entire process also served as a thoroughly educational and satisfying experience. Kudos to iGENEA for making the journey of self-discovery such a meaningful and joyful one–I'll treasure this revelation forever.
Links:
The DNA profiles of other famous people
Questions and answers about the DNA test
How long does a DNA origin analysis take?
After we have received the samples it normally takes 6 weeks for the fist results. Depending on the chosen test the result is thus already fully ready or further analysis are done.
How can I order a DNA origin analysis for someone else?
If you order and pay for a test set for somebody else online, the address of the other person under “Comments”. We will then send the collection kit to the address of this person. You can also place your order by phone or e-mail.
This is how the DNA origin analysis works
A Mucus Sample suffices to get a sample of your DNA. Taking the sample is simple and painless and can be done at home. Send the samples with the envelop included in the sampling kit.
at home, simple and painless
with the enclosed envelope
online after approx. 6-8 weeks