Medieval Graves Reveal Surprising Truth About Family Burials

Topic: Biology

Archaeologists analyzed DNA from 142 people buried in medieval graves. They found that adults and children sharing a grave were often not family members. This challenges our understanding of how people were buried in the past.

When archaeologists dig up old graves, they often assume that adults and children buried together are family members. But new research from Stockholm University suggests this might not always be true.

Scientists analyzed DNA from 142 people who lived during the late Viking Age and Middle Ages. They looked at DNA from over 60 children and adolescents found in multiple graves at Sigtuna, Västerhus, and Fjälkinge. The results showed that close biological relatives were surprisingly uncommon among people placed in the same grave.

This was true even in cemeteries where researchers found many biological family connections among the wider population. 'We often assume that adults and children sharing a grave were parents and children or other close family members,' says Maja Krzewińska, lead author of the study. 'In most cases, that was not what we found.'

The findings indicate that decisions about who was buried together were influenced by more than just close biological relationships. Social, religious, or community factors may also have played a role.

The researchers also looked at how children were treated in death. They used DNA to determine the sex of young individuals whose remains couldn't be identified from their bones. The results showed that boys and girls often followed the same burial customs as adult men and women.

Why It Matters

This research helps us understand how people lived and died in medieval times. It also shows how archaeogenetics can reveal new insights into past societies.

Key Facts

• 142 people were analyzed for DNA, including over 60 children and adolescents from multiple graves in Sweden.
• The study found that close biological relatives were uncommon among people buried together.
• DNA was used to determine the sex of young individuals whose remains couldn't be identified.
• Boys and girls followed the same burial customs as adult men and women.
• The research suggests that social, religious, or community factors influenced decisions about who was buried together.

Key Terms

Archaeogenetics

The study of ancient DNA to understand past societies.

Viking Age

A period in European history from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century.

Middle Ages

A period in European history from the 5th to the 15th century.

Implications

This research helps us understand how people lived and died in medieval times. It also shows how archaeogenetics can reveal new insights into past societies.