New from MyHeritage: Discover Your Ancient Origins with DNA

New from MyHeritage: Discover Your Ancient Origins with DNA

Have you ever wondered where your deep ancestral roots lie beyond the last few centuries? MyHeritage has just introduced an exciting new DNA feature: Ancient Origins. This tool provides a fascinating look at your genetic connections to ancient civilizations, giving you a glimpse into where your ancestors may have lived thousands of years ago.

​What Is Ancient Origins?

​The Ancient Origins feature analyzes your MyHeritage DNA results and compares them to DNA found in archaeological remains from different historical populations. By doing this, MyHeritage can estimate which ancient groups your ancestors were connected to—helping you see how your lineage may have traveled and evolved over time.

​How Does It Work?

1. Compares Your DNA to Ancient Samples – MyHeritage uses genetic data from ancient human remains discovered at archaeological sites around the world.
2. Identifies Your Ancient Populations – You’ll receive an estimate of which ancient groups are most closely related to your DNA, such as Vikings, Neolithic farmers, or indigenous groups from various regions.
3. Maps Your Deep Ancestry – Your results will be displayed on a map, showing where your ancient ancestors may have lived and migrated.

What You’ll Get in Your Ancient Origins Report

This feature goes beyond just showing you ancient populations—it offers multiple reports to help you better understand your deep ancestry:

• ​Ancient Origins Breakdown – Provides a percentage-based breakdown of your DNA origins across different historical eras, from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. You’ll also receive AI-generated videos of avatars representing the populations in your results, adding an interactive and engaging element to your discoveries.

My MyHeritage Ancient Origins Breakdown Results (+more)

My Ancient Origins Breakdown: Middle Ages-Germanic Avatar Video

My Ancient Origins Breakdown: Middle Ages-Celt Avatar Video

My Ancient Origins Breakdown: Middle Ages-France Avatar Video

• Hunter-Gatherer and Farmer Breakdown – Gives insight into how much of your DNA comes from ancient hunter-gatherers versus early farming populations.

My MyHeritage Ancient Origins Hunter-Gatherer and Farmer Breakdown Results (+more)

• Genetic Similarities – Shows which ancient populations or combinations of populations are genetically most similar to you.

My MyHeritage Ancient Origins Genetic Similarities Results (+more)

• Genetic Distance Maps – Displays your genetic proximity to various ancient groups, helping you visualize how your DNA connects to the past.

My MyHeritage Ancient Origins Genetic Distance Maps Results (+more)

Why This Feature Is Exciting

• Goes Beyond Ethnicity Estimates – While ethnicity estimates provide insight into recent ancestry, Ancient Origins dives deeper into thousands of years of migration and history.
• Connects You to History – You can see how your ancestors may have been linked to major civilizations, from early European settlers to indigenous groups of the Americas and beyond.
• Engaging and Interactive – With downloadable videos of AI avatars representing your ancestral populations, you can see history come to life in a whole new way.
• Adds Another Layer to Your Genealogy Research – While this isn’t a replacement for traditional family history research, it’s a fun and informative tool to complement what you already know.

Things to Keep in Mind

• This Is an Estimate, Not a Definitive Answer – Ancient DNA comparisons are based on available archaeological samples, meaning results may evolve as new discoveries are made.
• It Won’t Trace Specific Named Ancestors – This feature provides insight into deep ancestry, not individual people in your family tree.
• Results May Be Surprising – You may uncover unexpected genetic connections to regions or civilizations you hadn’t considered before!
• No Printable Report (Yet!) – Unlike MyHeritage’s ethnicity estimates, Ancient Origins results currently can’t be printed—something to keep in mind if you like to save hard copies of your findings.

Final Thoughts

The Ancient Origins feature is a fascinating way to explore the distant past of your lineage. If you’ve already taken a MyHeritage DNA test, check out your results and see where your ancient ancestors may have lived, and if you haven't yet, now is the perfect time. It’s just one more way to bring history and family heritage together!

Have you explored your Ancient Origins results yet? What did you discover? Let me know in the comments!

​More MyHeritage, DNA, and Other Genealogy Resources

Learn about more MyHeritage, AI in Genealogy, and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage, Genetic Genealogy and DNA, Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.