Publications by authors named "E Willerslev"
The Indo-European languages are among the most widely spoken in the world, yet their early diversification remains contentious. It is widely accepted that the spread of this language family across Europe from the 5th millennium BP correlates with the expansion and diversification of steppe-related genetic ancestry from the onset of the Bronze Age. However, multiple steppe-derived populations co-existed in Europe during this period, and it remains unclear how these populations diverged and which provided the demographic channels for the ancestral forms of the Italic, Celtic, Greek, and Armenian languages.
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- The study investigates the demographic history of France using genotype datasets from individuals in Northern France, revealing significant population structure and differentiation in regions like Brittany and the Loire basin.
- The research highlights a connection between the ancestry of local populations and genetic variations, particularly indicating a distinction in shared ancestry related to Neolithic and steppe populations.
- Findings suggest the necessity of studying local demographics to better comprehend the distribution of genetic variants and their role in the prevalence of diseases among populations in Brittany and neighboring areas.
Article Synopsis
- During 5,300 to 4,900 cal BP, much of Europe experienced a population decline known as the Neolithic decline, with debated causes including agricultural crisis and early plague spread.
- Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from 108 Scandinavian Neolithic individuals and found evidence of widespread plague infections in at least 17% of the population, occurring through three distinct events over roughly 120 years.
- The study also reconstructed family lineages indicating a patrilineal social structure and noted examples of female exogamy, contributing to a clearer understanding of the social dynamics and disease impact during this period.
The lethally maltreated body of Vittrup Man was deposited in a Danish bog, probably as part of a ritualised sacrifice. It happened between c. 3300 and 3100 cal years BC, i.
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