The collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD marked a transformative period in European history. As the centralized power of Rome faded, new communities and social structures began to emerge, laying the foundation for the modern European nations. However, the nature of these communities, particularly those of the elite classes, has long been a subject of scholarly intrigue.
A recent study delves into this enigmatic period through the lens of ancient DNA analysis, revealing the intricate genetic diversity and social dynamics of post-Roman elites.
The Collegno Cemetery: A Window into Early Medieval Life
Krishna Veeramah, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution in Stony Brook University’s College of Arts and Sciences, is leading an international team of researchers in a new study of ancient DNA that provides insight into the development and social structures of European rural communities following the fall of the Roman Empire.
The findings, published in a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggest that early medieval elites, or those of higher social status, were initially made up of multiple families with distinct genetic ancestries. Over time, these families intermarried, and the local communities integrated genetically diverse newcomers from a variety of different social and cultural backgrounds.