Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History 1 article published in JoVE Genetics Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains Cody E. Parker1,2, Kirsten I. Bos1,3, Wolfgang Haak1,3, Johannes Krause1,3 1Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 2School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, 3Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology The protocol presents a series of best practice protocols for the collection of bone powder from eight recommended anatomical sampling locations (specific locations on a given skeletal element) across five different skeletal elements from medieval individuals (radiocarbon dated to a period of ca. 1040-1400 CE, calibrated 2-sigma range).