Ancient genomics reveals a genetic continuum with dual structure in the Classic Copan

Abstract

Copan was a major capital at the southeasternmost of the Maya civilization, serving as a crossroads connecting Central and South America. In 426/427 CE, the city witnessed the establishment of a royal dynasty, which endured for approximately 400 years. Despite extensive historical and archaeological records, there remains limited information regarding the genetic origins of people who resided in Copan. Here, we present seven Classic Copan genomes including an enigmatic dynastic ruler and his sacrificed companion. Our analysis identifies a high genetic affinity of the Classic Copan with present-day Maya. Both groups exhibit an admixture of Mesoamerican and South American Farmer (SAF) ancestry, with a shift in a dominant component from SAF to Mesoamerican. At the individual level, commoners show a more prominent SAF ancestry, while the royal individual demonstrates nearly equal contributions from two ancestors. These results highlight a dual ancestral structure in this geographic extreme of the Classic Maya state, uncovering a cline of Mesoamerican ancestry across individuals.