Enamel peptides are used to identify the actual sex of the “Lovers of Modena”

Analyzing the proteins present on the enamel allowed the sex identification of the individuals that were buried with their hands together 1600 years ago.

For all this time it was assumed that the two individuals who were buried together, found in 2009 in Modena (Italy) were male and female. Ten years later, in 2019, it has been known that these remains belong to two men who were around the age of 30 at the time of their death.

Since the time the remains were found several sex identification methods have been tried. For example, examining the morphological differences of the skeletons (as it differs between males and females) was not possible due to the damage that suffered the bones. A couple of years ago, british scientists discovered a protein present in the enamel that allowed the differentiation of sexes in humans. This analysis method was applied on the two individuals and unexpected results were obtained.

Right: remains of the two individuals. LEFT: burial site of the two "lovers" and other 11 individuals.

The protein is the amelogenin: AMELX is found in males and females, but AMELY is only found in males. The “Lovers of Modena” have the same composition, with AMELX and AMELY proteins.

This has been an unexpected discovery because in the year 390 a law against homosexual practices was applied. Meaning that it is almost unthinkable that the two men were having an affair, or at least, that they were buried recreating a homosexual relationship.

Source of the new: https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/09/13/ciencia/1568367630_243262.html

Articles mentioned: Lugli F. et al. (September, 2019). Enamel peptides reveal the sex of the Late Antique ‘Lovers of Modena’. ScientificReports. 9(1):13130