In this fascinating episode, we delve into the realm of bioarchaeology and genomics with Dr. Raquel Fleskes and Dr. Theodore Schurr. Their groundbreaking work, the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project, investigated the lives of thirty-six 18th-century individuals from Charleston, South Carolina.

The duo provides insights into their research methods, and how they managed to generate low coverage genomic data from 18 of these individuals. This data unveiled a wide spectrum of ancestral connections across Western Africa, including one individual with genomic affiliations with the Fulani peoples of West Africa.

This project represents the largest number of ancient genomes from African-descended persons in North America ever studied. It is a substantial leap forward in enhancing our understanding of African diversity and history in ...