Mitochondrial DNA Analysis and Pre-Hispanic Maya Migrations

Abstract

Abstract The Maya civilization developed in Mesoamerica persisted approximately 3,000 years and was one of the most advanced of its time. Mayas had the only known full writing system, as well as highly developed mathematical and astronomical systems. They also developed sophisticated architecture and arts. The Maya area of settlement ranged from the Yucatan Peninsula through Guatemala, Belize, and part of the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas, as well as parts of Honduras and El Salvador. The Maya civilization reached its peak of power and influence in the Preclassic period, from 2000 BCE to 250 CE. Despite the profound impact of the Mayan civilization on Mesoamerica and neighboring populations, studies of genetic variation of ancient Maya populations in pre-European times are scarce. Therefore, this work examines evidence in ancient DNA from archaeological sites in the states of Yucatan, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco. We report data analysis from sequences of the mtDNA hypervariable region I (HV1) from bone remains found in excavations of archaeological sites of the Maya region and their relationship with ancient and contemporary communities in this region, including Central and South America, as well as with Asia and Beringia. We discuss the results in the light of the influence of climate change in the area and relate them to evidence from language change. Gene flow within the Maya area occurred with a directional flow to South America in the Preclassic and Classic eras of the Mesoamerican chronology. This is supported by historical documentation, that has shown that the ancestors of the Maya civilization entered the Yucatan Peninsula after the first movement of people from Northern Asia into the Americas, with later migrations of the Maya ancestors to Mesoamerica, through Central America and the Caribbean, and toward the northern portions of South America.