Czech, German scientists identify hitherto unknown prehistoric migrations through Bohemia

[Judi Lynn]

09/06/2021

A team of Czech and German scientists has found DNA evidence of at least three hitherto unknown migratory waves that passed through Bohemia in prehistoric times. By studying the remains of 271 people who lived between the years 4900 to 1600 BCE, they have traced some surprising genetic changes and social processes.

Previous archaeogenetic studies have shown that human movements – like migrations and significant expansions of various populations – played a key role in driving the spread of both cultures and genes in prehistoric Europe.

But thanks to detailed regional studies and dense sampling along the banks of ancient rivers, German and Czech scientists have shed new light on the magnitude, rate and social implications of these changes in Bohemia.

Among the experts who worked on the ground-breaking study, published in the prestigious journal Science Advances last month, is Michal Ernée of the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences. He told Czech Radio that the detailed DNA sampling along the Elbe (Labe) region, for example, changes the view of the Bronze Age culture in central Europe.

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Bohemia attracted many different archaeological cultures because of its location along many trade routes and important waterways, such as the Elbe River. According to the authors of the study, who include researchers from two Max Planck Institutes –the Science of Human History and Evolutionary Anthropology – this renders Bohemia a key region for understanding the prehistory of Europe.

More:
https://english.radio.cz/czech-german-scientists-identify-hitherto-unknown-prehistoric-migrations-through-8727770