Ancient DNA connects large-scale migration with the spread of Slavs.

ABSTRACT: The second half of the first millennium CE in Central and Eastern Europe was accompanied by fundamental cultural and political transformations. This period of change is commonly associated with the appearance of the Slavs, which is supported by textual evidence^1,2 and coincides with the emergence of similar archaeological horizons^3-6. However, so far there has been no consensus on whether this archaeological horizon spread by migration, Slavicisation or a combination of both. Genetic data remain sparse, especially owing to the widespread practice of cremation in the early phase of the Slavic settlement. Here we present genome-wide data from 555 ancient individuals, including 359 samples from Slavic contexts from as early as the seventh century CE. Our data demonstrate

SUBMITTER: Gretzinger J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12507669 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature