A groundbreaking study finds evidence that land was inherited through the female line in Iron Age Britain, with husbands moving to live with their wife's community. This is believed to be the first time such a system has been documented in European prehistory.
A groundbreaking study finds evidence that land was inherited through the female line in Iron Age Britain, with husbands moving to live with their wife's community. This is believed to be the first time such a system has been documented in European prehistory.
Dr Lara Cassidy, Assistant Professor in Trinity's Department of Genetics, led the study that has been published in leading international journaltoday. She said:"This was the cemetery of a large kin group. We reconstructed a family tree with many different branches and found most members traced their maternal lineage back to a single woman, who would have lived centuries before. In contrast, relationships through the father's line were almost absent.
Iron Age cemeteries with well-preserved burials are rare in Britain. Dorset is an exception, due to the unique burial customs of the people who lived there, named as the"Durotriges" by the Romans. The researchers sampled DNA from a site near the village of Winterborne Kingston, nicknamed"Duropolis," which archaeologists from Bournemouth University have been excavating since 2009.
Anthropologist Dr Martin Smith, one of the project's bone specialists, added:"These results give us a whole new way of looking at the burials we are uncovering with our students. Rather than simply seeing a set of skeletons, hidden aspects of these people's lives and identities come into view as mothers, husbands, daughters and so on.
Archaeology Anthropology Ancient DNA Bioethics Education And Employment Racial Disparity Travel And Recreation
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Female Family Ties Defined Social Networks in Iron Age BritainA recent genetic analysis of a late Iron Age cemetery in Dorset reveals that women were closely related, while unrelated men likely immigrated to the community after marriage.
Read more »
DNA Evidence Reveals Matrilineal Society in Iron Age BritainA new study challenges the traditional view of Iron Age Britain as a male-dominated society, revealing evidence of a matrilineal system where descent and inheritance were traced through the mother's line. This discovery, based on the analysis of ancient DNA from over 50 individuals, suggests significant female social and political empowerment during this period.
Read more »
All 5 Shane Black Christmas Movies, RankedRobert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark sitting with an Iron Man suit in Iron Man 3
Read more »
This 4-Minute MCU Scene Is The Best Of Robert Downey Jr's Entire Iron Man CareerTony Stark revealing he is Iron Man in Iron Man
Read more »
Ancient DNA Reveals Secrets of Vittrup Man, a Stone Age MigrantScientists analyzed the remains of Vittrup Man, a Stone Age migrant who died violently in Denmark around 5,200 years ago, using ancient DNA and other analytical techniques. The analysis revealed details about his diet, origins, and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Read more »
Ancient Footprints in Saudi Arabia Reveal Pre-Ice Age Human ActivityScientists have discovered seven remarkably preserved human footprints in Saudi Arabia, dating back an estimated 115,000 years. These footprints, found in a prehistoric mudhole, offer valuable insights into human activity during a period on the brink of a major ice age.
Read more »