Lombards on the Move – An Integrative Study of the Migration Period Cemetery at Szólád, Hungary
Kurt W. Alt|Corina Knipper|Daniel Peters|Wolfgang Müller|Anne‐France Maurer|Isabelle Kollig|Nicole Nicklisch|Christiane Müller|Sarah Karimnia|Guido Brandt|Christina Roth|Martin Rosner|Balász Mende|Bernd R. Schöne|Tivadar Vida|Uta von Freeden
In 2005 to 2007 45 skeletons of adults and subadults were excavated at the Lombard period cemetery Szólád (6th century A.D.), Hungary. Embedded into well-recorded historical context, article presents results obtained by an integrative investigation including anthropological, molecular genetic isotopic (δ(15)N, δ(13)C, (87)Sr/(86)Sr) analyses. Skeletal stress markers as well traces interpersonal violence found occur frequently. The mitochondrial DNA profiles revealed a heterogeneous spectrum lineages that belong haplogroups H, U, J, HV, T2, I, K, which are common in present-day Europe Near East, while N1a N1b today quite rare. Evidence possible direct maternal kinship was identified only three pairs individuals. According enamel strontium isotope ratios, least 31% individuals died location other than their birthplace and/or had moved during childhood. Based on peculiar 87 Sr/86 Sr ratio distribution between females, males, comparison local vegetation soil samples, we propose three-phase model group movement. An initial patrilocal with narrower male but wider female settled Szólád, whilst majority represented yielded distinct signature. Owing virtual absence Szólád-born cemetery, may conclude settlement abandoned after approx. one generation. Population heterogeneity is furthermore supported carbon nitrogen data. They indicate high-ranking men access larger shares animal-derived food few consumed remarkable amounts millet. inferred dynamics burial community agreement hypotheses highly mobile lifestyle Migration Period short-term occupation Pannonia settlers conveyed written sources.
PLOS ONE|DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)|Europe PMC (PubMed Central)|ELTE Digital Institutional Repository (EDIT) (Eötvös Loránd University)|Refubium (Universitätsbibliothek der Freien Universität Berlin)|PubMed Central|Repository of the Academy's Library (Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences)|OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University)|PubMed