Extraction and analysis of DNA from archaeological specimens

The study of DNA extracted from archaeological specimens is an exciting new avenue of research that can provide unique evidence for addressing archaeological questions. Here we give an overview of notable case studies, some of which were performed by the authors, that used genetic data retrieved from archaeological specimens to make interpretations about the past. Additionally we describe how ancient DNA (aDNA) differs from modern DNA and, thus, why only a few specific genomic markers are usually targeted and why protocols have been developed explicitly for the study of aDNA. We detail an aDNA extraction protocol that we have been developing over the past few years, and a description of genetic screening we routinely perform on DNA extracted from ancient human samples.