Tracing social mechanisms and interregional connections in Early Bronze Age Societies in Lower Austria
Abstract
Abstract In this study, we present the results of archaeogenetic investigations of Early Bronze Age individuals from Lower Austria, specifically associated with the Únětice and Unterwölbling cultural groups. Through analysing newly generated genome-wide data of 129 individuals, we explore the social structure and genetic relationships within and between these communities. Our results reveal a predominantly patrilocal society with non-strict female exogamic practices. Additionally, Identity-by-Descent analysis detects long-distance genetic connections, emphasizing the complex network of interactions in Central Europe during this period. Despite shared social dynamics, notable genetic distinctions emerge between the Únětice and Unterwölbling groups. These insights contribute to our understanding of Bronze Age population interconnections and call for a nuanced interpretation of social dynamics in this historical context.
Article Details
Authors (30)
Anja Furtwängler
Katharina Rebay-Salisbury
Gunnar U. Neumann
Fabian Kanz
Harald Ringbauer
Raffaela Angelina Bianco
Tanja Schmidt
Lena Semerau
Rita Radzeviciute
Rodrigo Barquera
Nadin Rohland
Kristin Stewardson
J. Noah Workman
Elizabeth Curtis
Fatma Zalzala
Kim Callan
Lora Iliev
Lijun Qiu
Olivia Cheronet
Anna Wagner
Guillermo Bravo Morante
Michaela Spannagel
Maria Teschler-Nicola
Friederike Novotny
Domnika Verdianu
Ron Pinhasi
David Reich
Johannes Krause
Philipp W. Stockhammer
Alissa Mittnik