Power may have passed via women in ancient Chaco Canyon society
Mitochondrial DNA from skeletons in elite burial room shows familial relationship spanning three centuries
![Pueblo Bonito](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/022117_BB_chaco-dna_main.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
DYNASTIC CENTER Recovered DNA suggests that nine people buried in a huge structure called Pueblo Bonito (shown), located in northwestern New Mexico, belonged to a maternal dynasty that lasted for 330 years during the heyday of ancient Chaco society.
D. Kennett/Penn State