Tracing socialmechanisms and interregional connections in Early Bronze Age Societies in Lower Austria

Vergrößern

Anja Furtwängler, Katharina Rebay-Salisbury, Gunnar U. Neumann,
Fabian Kanz, Harald Ringbauer, Raffaela Angelina Bianco,
Tanja Schmidt, Lena Semerau, Rita Radzevičiūtė, Rodrigo Barquera,
Nadin Rohland, Kristin Stewardson, J. NoahWorkman, Elizabeth Curtis,
Fatma Zalzala6,7, KimCallan 6,7, Lora Iliev6,7, Lijun Qiu6,7, Olivia Cheronet 8,9,
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

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.

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