Friday, December 1, 2023
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us
Archaeology News Online Magazine
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News Online Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home News Anthropology

Archaeologists reconstruct largest genetic family tree for Neolithic people in France

Dario Radley by Dario Radley
August 10, 2023
Share on FacebookShare on Linkedin.Share on RedditShare on WhatsappShare on Tumblr

As per a Live Science report, archaeologists in France have pieced together two elaborate Neolithic family trees that span multiple generations, using ancient DNA. This achievement stands as the largest ancestral human record ever reconstructed.

Archaeologists reconstruct largest genetic family tree for Neolithic people in France
An artist’s interpretation of what each individual may have looked like, based on DNA. The dotted squares and circles represent males and females, respectfully, either were not found at the site or with limited DNA evidence in their remains. Credit: Drawing by Elena Plain; reproduced with the permission of the University of Bordeaux / PACEA

The family trees are based on a 6,700-year-old funerary site known as Gurgy, which is located in the Paris Basin region of northern France.

The Gurgy site, initially excavated in the mid-2000s, took on renewed significance due to advancements in ancient DNA analysis techniques. Among the 128 individuals, comprising both children and adults, whose remains were recovered from the site, researchers meticulously studied the genomes of 94 individuals, leveraging cutting-edge methods to unlock the secrets held within the ancient genetic material.

The Neolithic epoch marked a pivotal transition in human history around 12,000 years ago, as societies shifted from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled farming communities. Gurgy’s burial ground, a testament to this transformation, serves as a compelling testament to the enduring ties that bound families across generations.

Notably, the research unveiled a remarkable discovery: the progeny of this ancient community traced their lineage back to a solitary “founding father.” His remains, originally interred at an undisclosed location, were subsequently reburied in proximity to his kin at Gurgy.

RelatedStories

Neolithic brutality: China's largest headhunting massacre revealed

Neolithic brutality: China’s largest headhunting massacre revealed

November 12, 2023
Life-size camel rock carvings discovered In Saudi Arabian desert

Life-size camel rock carvings discovered In Saudi Arabian desert

October 5, 2023

Through meticulous analysis of mitochondrial DNA (maternal lineage) and Y-chromosome data (paternal lineage), coupled with details regarding age and genetic sex, the researchers constructed two intricate family trees.

The first family tree connected an astonishing 64 individuals across an impressive span of seven generations, cementing its status as the most extensive ancestral record of its kind. The second family tree featured 12 individuals spanning five generations.

A notable trend emerged as the researchers delved into the data: a distinct “patrilineal pattern” indicated that successive generations were intricately linked through the male lineage. An intriguing observation also came to light: while men typically remained within their birth communities, women seemed to migrate from external locales, a phenomenon evidenced by the genetic disparities between genders.

“The women who were buried there weren’t related and came from somewhere else,” said Maïté Rivollat, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Archaeology at Ghent University in Belgium. She further postulated that this strategic movement of females may have served to prevent inbreeding within the community.

Archaeologists reconstruct largest genetic family tree for Neolithic people in France
An adult man (top skeleton) buried some 6,000 years ago in what is now France was a son of the man from whom dozens of people also buried at the site are descended. Credit: Stéphane Rottier

Equally captivating was the absence of half-siblings among the buried individuals, indicating a practice of monogamy rather than polygamy within this ancient society. The shared parentage between sons and daughters underscored the strong familial cohesion prevalent in Gurgy’s community.

As Rivollat pointed out, “The closer they were buried together, the closer they were related.”

The research represents a collaborative effort, reflecting the dedication of the archaeological community in piecing together fragments of history to illuminate the complex dynamics of ancient societies.

The research was published in the journal Nature on July 26.

More information: Rivollat, M., Rohrlach, A.B., Ringbauer, H. et al. (2023). Extensive pedigrees reveal the social organization of a Neolithic community. Nature 620, 600–606. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06350-8
Share73Tweet46Share13ShareSendShare

You May Also Like...

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement
Archaeology

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

by Dario Radley
November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river
Archaeology

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey
Archaeology

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery
Archaeology

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey
Archaeology

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy
Archaeology

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

by Dario Radley
November 20, 2023
Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years
Archaeology

Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023
Exploring the city of Gezer: a meeting point for radiocarbon, egyptology and the Bible
Archaeology

Exploring the city of Gezer: a meeting point for radiocarbon, egyptology and the Bible

by Dario Radley
November 16, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
17th-century Frenchwoman's gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

17th-century Frenchwoman’s gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

February 5, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

July 11, 2023
Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

September 4, 2023
8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

August 29, 2023
Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

February 15, 2023
Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

August 25, 2023
Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

August 4, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan's steppes

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan’s steppes

Mummy of the Mysterious Lady may have died of cancer

Pregnant Egyptian mummy ‘Mysterious Lady’ may have died of cancer

king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

November 20, 2023
Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years

Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years

November 19, 2023

Archaeology News Online Magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.

Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Mail Us: info@archaeologymag.com

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us

About Us  .  Contact Us  .  Donation

  • Homepage
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.