New DNA Study Unveils Huns’ Complex Ancestry
Recent DNA analysis of ancient skeletal remains has shed light on the diverse ancestry of the Huns, a nomadic group pivotal to the decline of the Roman Empire. Researchers examined remains dating from the fourth to sixth centuries, revealing genetic connections that span Central Asia and Eastern Europe. This groundbreaking study indicates that the Huns were not a monolithic group but rather a population shaped by centuries of migration and cultural exchange.
Genetic Analysis Reveals Diverse Ancestry
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) led by archaeogeneticist Guido Gnecchi-Ruscone from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology analyzed the genomes of 370 individuals. The research aimed to explore the connections between European Huns and earlier nomadic groups, particularly the Xiongnu, who established a significant empire in Mongolia between 200 B.C. and A.D. 100. While some individuals from the Hun population showed direct genetic ties to the Xiongnu elite, the majority exhibited varying degrees of Northeast Asian ancestry. This finding highlights the intricate history of intermingling among different groups over time.
Connections Across the Eurasian Steppe
Employing a technique known as identity by descent (IBD) segment sharing, the research team identified genetic connections across multiple regions over centuries. Their findings suggest that relationships spanning the Eurasian steppe were maintained across generations. Although high-status burials of the Xiongnu in Mongolia revealed direct descendants among the European Huns, the study concluded that there was no significant migration of Xiongnu populations into Europe. Instead, the genetic landscape reflects a complex web of interactions and exchanges among various nomadic groups.
Insights from an Elite Hun Burial
One notable discovery came from a burial site in Pusztataskony, Hungary, where the remains of a Hun woman were found alongside gold earrings. This individual, who had an elongated skull, carried genetic markers linking her to the Xiongnu elite. Gnecchi-Ruscone noted that the practice of skull modification, a significant cultural tradition, may have been inherited through generations. This evidence reinforces the understanding that the European Huns were a culturally and genetically diverse group, shaped by centuries of movement and integration rather than a singular migratory event.
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