An international team of researchers, including geneticists from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and archaeologists from Ekaterinburg, Russia, have unearthed a captivating glimpse into family life 3,800 years ago. By analyzing the genomes of 32 individuals buried together in a Bronze Age mound in the southern Urals, they have reconstructed the kinship ties and social practices of an extended family.
The Nepluyevsky burial mound, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offered a wealth of genetic data. The analysis revealed a fascinating social structure, with evidence of both patrilocality (men residing in their fathers’ settlements) and a preferential marriage system.
The eldest of six brothers buried in the mound appears to have held a position of privilege. Genetic markers indicate that he fathered eight children with two wives, one local and one likely from the eastern Asian steppes. In contrast, the remaining brothers exhibited signs of monogamy and had fewer offspring.
“The burial site provides a fascinating snapshot of a prehistoric family,” explains Dr. Jens Blöcher, lead author of the study. “The eldest brother’s access to multiple wives and increased reproductive success is reminiscent of patterns observed in historical societies, such as the one depicted in the Old Testament.”
The researchers also observed a clear pattern of female marriage mobility. The sisters of the buried brothers were not found in the mound, suggesting they married outside the community. “This practice,” explains Dr. Joachim Burger, senior author of the study, “is a common strategy for preventing inbreeding and promoting genetic diversity within a population.”
The genetic makeup of the women buried in the mound supports this theory. Their genomes displayed a higher degree of diversity compared to the men, indicating they originated from geographically dispersed regions. Upon marrying into the family, they joined their husbands in the Nepluyevsky settlement and were ultimately buried alongside them.
“This pattern suggests a social system characterized by patrilineality,” explains Dr. Svetlana Sharapova, the archaeologist leading the excavation. “Local traditions and property were likely passed down through the male line, while women brought in genetic diversity through marriage.”
Archaeological evidence indicates that the inhabitants of Nepluyevsky were cattle breeders and metalworkers, with a diet rich in dairy and meat products. However, skeletal analysis revealed a harsh reality – the average life expectancy for women was only 28 years, and 36 years for men.
The final burials at the site mark a shift in this community’s history. The remains found belong almost exclusively to infants and young children. “This suggests a population decimated by disease or forced to migrate in search of better living conditions,” speculates Dr. Sharapova.
The study by JGU researchers sheds light on the societal complexities of Bronze Age Eurasia. “Globally, family structures often reflect a society’s economic and lifestyle practices,” observes Dr. Blöcher. “The Nepluyevsky family exemplifies a pattern typical of pastoralist societies – a privileged eldest son with multiple wives and numerous offspring, while others adhere to monogamy or have no wives at all.”
The researchers believe that similar social structures may have been widespread across the Eurasian steppe belt. Future studies will focus on verifying the “Nepluyevsky model” at other archaeological sites throughout this vast region. This groundbreaking research offers a unique window into the lives of our Bronze Age ancestors, their social customs, and the challenges they faced.