Scientists have demonstrated a new method to extract and analyze DNA from 1,300-year-old parchment manuscripts without causing any physical damage, opening a genetic archive hidden in medieval libraries worldwide.
Reading the genetic parchment
The technique, developed by researchers at North Carolina State University and published in Manuscript Studies, uses a gentle swabbing method to collect cellular material from the surface of animal-skin parchments. The team successfully processed 351 samples from documents dating from the 8th century through the early 1900s, originating from England, continental Europe, the Middle East, and northeastern Africa.
What the DNA reveals
The recovered genetic material provides information about the livestock breeds used for parchment production, animal sizes, and diseases present at the time of slaughter. Early results show that medieval parchment makers used a wider range of cattle breeds than previously assumed, with some regions specializing in sheepskin while others preferred goat or calf hides.
Preserving cultural heritage
Traditional ancient DNA studies require cutting, scraping, or drilling into material — unacceptable for rare manuscripts. The new method preserves the documents completely while still accessing the biological information within. 'These collections are a large biological archive preserved across centuries,' said co-author Matthew Breen, noting the technique could transform understanding of medieval trade and farming.