DNA analysis of the mummies, which are the remains of female herders from a time when the Sahara was more humid and known as the Green Sahara, did not show the expected Sub-Saharan genes. The Takarkori individuals are most closely related to other North African peoples who diverged from Sub-Saharan populations long before. What is strange is that they still have more Neanderthal DNA than other sub-Saharan peoples who were around at the time. This can only mean that there was not much genetic exchange in the Green Sahara during the African Humid Period. Related Story Now We Have Proof That Ancient Egyptians Got HighThe reason the Takarkori stayed isolated probably has to do with the diversity of environments in the Green Sahara.