Due to the warm climate, researchers only managed to extract usable DNA from the remains of one of the men, estimated to have been around 45-years-old, called Menga1.
Despite its origin, the decree is seemingly ordinary. Written by a royal scribe named Hamad, it instructs an individual named Khidr to exchange textiles for livestock.
The item was described as a "one-of-a-kind artifact". Investigators say one of the men allegedly climbed onto the other’s shoulders.
The unusual phrasing has been described as bearing a protective function against the evil eye and negative energies.
The tomb belonged to an individual of high status within their community, from an important lineage in the Rio Grande area, lead archaeologist Julia Mayo said.
The study uses the technique of microarchaeology to examine the soil collected from 35 graves at the Skateholm I and II cemeteries in southern Sweden.
Archaeologists report nails driven into remains and deliberately scattered in tombs, indicating non-accidental postmortem 'crucifixion' as part of a dark funerary ceremony.
Researchers identified 19 different types of beads, whose shapes are reminiscent of plants that were harvested by Natufians, and were vital to their lives, such as wild barley, lentils, and peas.
While preparing a papyrus for the museum’s upcoming “Made in Ancient Egypt” exhibit, conservators noticed a thick white pigment lining the body of a jackal illustrated in one of the scenes.
New findings show that they systematically managed resources and reveal what they hunted, something even scientists did not expect.
Authorities say the artifact dates to the late Bronze Age and has been handed to the regional heritage department.
