Ancient genome-wide analyses infer kinship structure in an Early Medieval Alemannic graveyard.

ABSTRACT: From historical and archeological records, it is posited that the European medieval household was a combination of close relatives and recruits. However, this kinship structure has not yet been directly tested at a genomic level on medieval burials. The early 7th century CE burial at Niederstotzingen, discovered in 1962, is the most complete and richest example of Alemannic funerary practice in Germany. Excavations found 13 individuals who were buried with an array of inscribed bridle gear, jewelry, armor, and swords. These artifacts support the view that the individuals had contact with France, northern Italy, and Byzantium. This study analyzed genome-wide sequences recovered from the remains, in tandem with analysis of the archeological context, to reconstruct kinship and the extent of o

SUBMITTER: O'Sullivan N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6124919 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature