Ancient DNA reveals diverse community organizations in the 5th millennium BCE Carpathian Basin

Anna Szécsényi-Nagy, Cristian Virag, Kristóf Jakab, Nadin Rohland, Harald Ringbauer, Alexandra Anders, Pál Raczky, Tamás Hajdu, Krisztián Kiss, Tamás Szeniczey, Sándor Évinger, Tamás Keszi, Zsuzsanna M Virág, Olivia Cheronet, Swapan Mallick, Ali Akbari, Ron Pinhasi, David Reich, Zsuzsanna Siklósi

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

We present a comprehensive genetic investigation of Late Neolithic (LN) and Early Copper Age (ECA) populations living in the Carpathian Basin, leveraging whole genome data from 125 previously unreported individuals. Using population genetics, kinship analyses and the study of networks of identity-by-descent haplotype segment sharing, we elucidate the social and genetic dynamics of these communities between 4800-3900 cal BCE. Despite changes in settlement patterns, burial practices, and material culture, we document a high degree of genetic continuity. While one set of individuals we analyzed from a large community cemetery was genetically diverse, another site was more homogenous and closed, with numerous consanguineous relationships and evidence of patrilineality and patrilocality. These results document radically different kinship systems in contemporaneous ECA communities using similar material culture and living only about 100 km apart.

Original languageEnglish
JournalbioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jan 2025

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 106018 Human biology

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