Gamma 55: Mycenae Grave Circle B

Among the Mycenae Grave Circle B remains chosen for forensic reconstruction, Gamma 55 is believed to be the brother of fellow female grave occupant Gamma 58.

A note about the DNA analysis done on these remains: of the 22 individuals excavated from Grave Circle B, only 4 yielded sufficiently preserved genetic material for DNA testing.  Gamma 55 and 58 belong to the same haplogroup, meaning they are related, with a common ancestor, but may not necessarily be brother and sister; they could also be first cousins, or aunt/nephew, or uncle/niece.  There simply wasn't enough preserved material for geneticists to be more specific.

Gamma 55 was a tall, powerfully built individual; he stood about 5 feet 9 1/4 inches, which would have been gigantic for that period.  He was about thirty-three years old when he died, and he died around the same time as Gamma 58 and Gamma 51, the unfortunate young man who died after a trepanning operation.