Papers Untangling the Sogdians Ancestry: Silk Road Trade, Tang Dynasty Graves, and Genetic Admixture Sogdians and Silk Road Trade: A Genetic Revelation Sogdians and Silk Road Trade: A Genetic Revelation Unveiling the Past through Archaeology and Genetics The Silk Road, a legendary conduit of cultures and commerce, fostered connections across civilizations spanning from China to the Mediterranean. This iconic network of trade routes served By Caterina • 3 min read
Papers The Story of One of Europe's Last Neanderthals Neanderthal Genetic Structure: A Discovery from Grotte Mandrin The research reveals an enlightening archaeological and genetic discovery of one of the last Neanderthals in Europe, unearthed from the limestone depths of Grotte Mandrin in the scenic Rhône River Valley, France. This ancient individual, fondly christened as "Thorin," brings By Sven • 3 min read
Papers Golden Horde Elites: Genetic Insights into the Mongol Empires Ruling Lineage Golden Horde: Unearthing the Past The Golden Horde, once a formidable frontier of the vast Mongol Empire, has left us with tantalizing glimpses into its storied past. This branch, commanded by the descendants of the legendary Genghis Khan, played an instrumental role in shaping the cultural and political landscapes of By Jamie Larson • 4 min read
Papers Ancient Plagues and Epidemics: DNA Insights from 35,000 Years of History Ancient Pathogens in Human History Ancient Pathogens in Human History The story of ancient pathogens is as intricate as the history of human civilization itself, spanning thousands of years and revealing fascinating insights into the evolution of these microscopic invaders. Unearthed from the graves of our ancestors, these pathogens tell By Caterina • 4 min read
Papers The Southern Urals as a Genesis Point for 10th Century Hungarians Archaeological Origins of 10th Century Hungarians in the Southern Urals Archaeological Origins of 10th Century Hungarians in the Southern Urals The Southern Urals region stands as a crucial archaeological crossroads that illuminates the complex origins of 10th century Hungarian populations. This vast territory, stretching across the boundary between Europe and By Jamie Larson • 4 min read
Papers Unveiling the Genetic Shifts in Neolithic to Bronze Age Catalonia Neolithic and Bronze Age Genetic Transitions at Mas d'en Boixos Neolithic and Bronze Age Genetic Transitions at Mas d'en Boixos Archaeological Context and Site Overview The archaeological site of Mas d'en Boixos (MDB), nestled in the Catalan pre-littoral depression of the Penedès region, represents By Caterina • 4 min read
Papers Deciphering the Genetic Ancestry of the Sarmatian Peoples The Sarmatian Period in the Carpathian Basin The Sarmatian Period in the Carpathian Basin: Archaeological Wonders and the Role of DNA Archaeological Discovery of the Sarmatians The Sarmatians were a nomadic people believed to have migrated from the Central Steppe region and the Southern Urals, arriving in the Carpathian Basin By Caterina • 5 min read
Papers The Kronan: Sweden's Greatest Maritime Disaster - the Face of a Kronan Crew Member Revealed The Kronan Shipwreck: A Journey Through Time The Tragic Tale In the deep, dark waters off the coast of Öland, Sweden, lies a haunting remnant of the past—the majestic Kronan, a regal warship that met its tragic end during a naval battle in 1676. This catastrophic event claimed over By Sven • 5 min read
Papers Unearthing Ancient Egypt: The Old Kingdom Necropolis of Nuwayrat The Third Dynasty and DNA Analysis of an Ancient Individual In the charmingly convoluted labyrinth of ancient Egyptian history, the exploration of Nuwayrat in the 16th Upper Egyptian Nome unveils a tapestry woven with the lives, death practices, and societal structures of the early Old Kingdom. The necropolis, nestled north By Sven • 6 min read
Papers Scientific Insights into Ancient Macedonia: the Tomb of Persephone and its Occupants Vergina: A Glimpse into Ancient Macedonia Buried deep under the Great Tumulus of Vergina, often referred to as Aegae, lies a remarkable cist-tomb known popularly as the "Tomb of Persephone." Situated in the midst of what is believed to be a royal burial complex of the Macedonian kings, By Caterina • 4 min read
Papers Unveiling Ancient Rituals: Neolithic Burials in Southern France Ancient DNA Reveals Neolithic Funerary Practices in Southern France The archaeological site of Aven de la Boucle, a karst shaft near Corconne, Gard in Southern France, unveils revealing insights into Neolithic burial customs. Used as a collective burial ground from 3,600 to 2,800 BCE, this site encompasses the By Sven • 6 min read
Papers North Sea Migrations to Britain: From Vikings to Industrial Revolution The North Sea has long served as both barrier and bridge between the peoples of Denmark and Britain, its waters carrying traders, warriors, settlers, and their stories across centuries of human history. Recent groundbreaking research involving 858,635 individuals has unveiled the remarkable genetic legacy of these maritime interactions, painting By Sven • 7 min read
Papers "Atypical Burials" in Late Medieval Poland The Outcasts, the Sick, and the Undead: Atypical Burials of Greater Poland The Outcasts, the Sick, Vampires and the Undead The phrase "atypical burials" might sound almost understated given the gripping tales these ancient graves from Greater Poland have to tell. Stretching from the 14th to the 18th By Jamie Larson • 6 min read
Papers The Genetic History of Portugal: A 5000-Year Journey Through Time Introduction: Unveiling Portugal's Ancient DNA The exploration of ancient DNA in Portugal unveils a mesmerizing narrative extending over 5,000 years, offering a vivid tapestry of migration, interaction, and persistence among diverse populations. Researchers have embarked on an extraordinary journey through time, scrutinizing the genetic archives hidden within By Sven • 7 min read
Papers The Genetic Aftermath of Roman and Migration Period Colonization in the Iberian Peninsula Archaeological Discoveries From Roman Times to Late Antiquity Introduction to Iberian Archaeological Heritage The Iberian Peninsula stands as one of Europe's most archaeologically rich regions, offering an extraordinary window into the complex tapestry of human civilization spanning millennia. From the dramatic coastlines of AlmerÃa to the rolling hills By Jamie Larson • 6 min read
Papers Echoes of Imperial Russia: A Genomic Journey with Mrs. Callavinna Keller The Romanovs and Their Modern Connection The enduring allure of the Romanov family has been marked by mystery, intrigue, and tragic history. Over a century after their brutal execution, modern-day science invites us to revisit the past through the power of DNA. Mrs. Callavinna Keller's genetic journey offers By Caterina • 4 min read
Papers The Hungarian Conquest: Archaeological and Genetic Origins of the Magyars The Hungarian Conquest: Archaeological and Genetic Origins of the Magyars The Great Migration from the Eastern Steppes The Hungarian Conquest of the 10th century brought the remarkable Magyars into the Carpathian Basin, fundamentally changing the course of Central European history. These early medieval Magyars, a fierce confederation of mounted warriors, By Sven • 5 min read
Papers Pre-European Leprosy in the Americas Archaeological and Genetic Exploration of Pre-European Leprosy in the Americas Archaeological and Genetic Exploration of Pre-European Leprosy in the Americas The Fascinating Discovery of Ancient Leprosy in the Americas The recent study by Lopopolo et al. has shed light on a significant archaeological and genetic revelation regarding the history of By Caterina • 6 min read
Papers The Enigmatic Phoenician Tombs of Sicily The ancient Phoenician civilization, renowned for their expansive maritime trade networks, left an indelible mark throughout the Mediterranean, with Sicily serving as a pivotal hub in their complex web of cultural and commercial exchange. Recent archaeological investigations have revealed intriguing discrepancies between radiocarbon dating and traditional archaeological dating methods from By Jamie Larson • 4 min read
Papers Exploring the Ancient Human Face of Western Europe: Insights from Sima del Elefante A Window into Our Ancient Past Sima del Elefante, located in the Atapuerca Mountains of Spain, has emerged as a keystone site for understanding early human presence in Europe. Spanning layers of history, this cave has gifted us profound insights into both the landscape and its ancient inhabitants. The study By Caterina • 6 min read
Papers Uncovering the Genetic Mysteries of the Faroese People The Faroe Islands, a rugged and remote archipelago in the North Atlantic, is home to a remarkable population descended from a mix of Scandinavian and Celtic ancestors. This distinctive blend has been both a concoction of isolation and shared European histories, with settlements originating as far back as the 4th By Sven • 8 min read
Papers Ancient DNA Findings: Insights from the Central Plains of China during the Eastern Zhou Period The Shangshihe Cemetery and the Guo State The Shangshihe cemetery, nestled in Yima City, Henan Province, offers a remarkable window into the past, particularly the enigmatic Guo State—a prominent vassal state during the Western Zhou period. With the eastward migration of King Ping of Zhou, the Guo State moved By Jamie Larson • 6 min read
Papers Decoding the Evolution of the Plague (Yersinia pestis) The Silent Transformation of Yersinia Pestis: A Genomic Journey Through Time The story of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the infamous plague, weaves through our history like a phantom, affecting empires, cultures, and the very fabric of society. Recent research has dived deep into the archaeological and archival remnants By Sven • 5 min read
Papers Ancient DNA Sheds Light on Population Shifts and Kinship Among Classic Maya Unveiling the Secrets of Classic Maya Copán The ancient city of Copán, nestled in the enchanting Copán Valley of western Honduras, stands as one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. This magnificent city captivates historians and archaeologists with its mesmerizing artistry, rich history, and the countless By Caterina • 6 min read
