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Ancient DNA reveals diverse community organizations in the 5th millennium BCE Carpathian Basin

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Szécsényi-Nagy

    (HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities)

  • Cristian Virag

    (Satu Mare County Museum)

  • Kristóf Jakab

    (HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities)

  • Nadin Rohland

    (Harvard Medical School
    Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard)

  • Harald Ringbauer

    (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology)

  • Alexandra Anders

    (ELTE Eötvös Loránd University)

  • Pál Raczky

    (ELTE Eötvös Loránd University)

  • Tamás Hajdu

    (ELTE Eötvös Loránd University)

  • Krisztián Kiss

    (HUN-REN Research Centre for the Humanities
    University of Miskolc)

  • Tamás Szeniczey

    (ELTE Eötvös Loránd University)

  • Sándor Évinger

    (Hungarian National Museum Public Collection Centre)

  • Tamás Keszi

    (Hungarian National Museum Public Collection Centre)

  • Zsuzsanna M. Virág

    (Aquincum Museum)

  • Olivia Cheronet

    (University of Vienna
    University of Vienna)

  • Swapan Mallick

    (Harvard Medical School
    Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

  • Ali Akbari

    (Harvard Medical School
    Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

  • Ron Pinhasi

    (University of Vienna
    University of Vienna)

  • David Reich

    (Harvard Medical School
    Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute
    Harvard University)

  • Zsuzsanna Siklósi

    (ELTE Eötvös Loránd University
    MTA-ELTE Lendület “Momentum” Innovation Research Group)

Abstract

Little is known about the genetic connection system and community organization of Late Neolithic and Early Copper Age populations of the Carpathian Basin. Here, we present a comprehensive genetic investigation of these populations, leveraging whole genome data from 125 individuals. Using population genetics, kinship analyses and the study of networks of identity-by-descent haplotype segment sharing, we elucidate the social and genetic dynamics of these communities between 4800−3900 calibrated years BCE. Despite changes in settlement patterns, burial practices, and material culture, we document a high degree of genetic continuity. While one set of individuals from a large community cemetery is genetically diverse, another site is more homogenous and closed, with numerous consanguineous relationships and evidence of patrilineality and patrilocality. In this work, we document important differences in kinship systems in contemporaneous Early Copper Age communities using similar material culture and living only about 100 km apart.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Szécsényi-Nagy & Cristian Virag & Kristóf Jakab & Nadin Rohland & Harald Ringbauer & Alexandra Anders & Pál Raczky & Tamás Hajdu & Krisztián Kiss & Tamás Szeniczey & Sándor Évinger & Tamás Keszi , 2025. "Ancient DNA reveals diverse community organizations in the 5th millennium BCE Carpathian Basin," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60368-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60368-2
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