Ancient DNA analysis of sediments from Late Middle – Early Upper Palaeolithic contexts

The research activities will involve extracting DNA from archaeological sediments dating from the final Middle Palaeolithic to the Initial Upper Palaeolithic and collected during excavations conducted within the ERC Last Neanderthals project. Sedimentary DNA will be analysed using methodologies and protocols specifically designed for archaeological samples. The data generated through the laboratory work will subsequently be processed, analysed, and validated. The results will be interpreted within the archaeological and palaeoanthropological framework of the project. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the research team to integrate the findings and contribute to the achievement of the project’s scientific objectives.