A man buried in Hungary in the Late Neolithic era

I1495
Portrait reconstruction
Specimen Details
Sample ID:
I1495
Date:
4496 BCE - 4353 BCE
Biological Sex:
Male
mtDNA:
N1a1a1a*
Y-DNA:
I-FTA37509
Cultural Period:
Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary
Location
Country:
Hungary
Locality:
Apc-Berekalya I
Coordinates:
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Late Neolithic Lengyel culture, which flourished from approximately 5000 to 3400 BCE, is an intriguing component of European prehistory, situated primarily in the area now known as Hungary and extending into parts of Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. This culture is notable for its advancements in agriculture, architecture, social organization, and artistic expression, reflecting a significant period of cultural development in the Neolithic era of Europe.

Geographic and Temporal Context

The Lengyel culture developed in the Carpathian Basin during the Late Neolithic period, a time characterized by significant changes in human society, including the establishment of permanent settlements and increased reliance on farming. This geographical region provided fertile lands and abundant resources, which supported the growth and prosperity of Lengyel communities.

Settlement Patterns and Architecture

Lengyel settlements typically consisted of large, well-planned villages with rectangular, wattle-and-daub houses constructed on wooden frames. These structures often had thatched roofs and were grouped together, reflecting an organized approach to community planning. Some settlements show evidence of fortifications, suggesting concerns over security and possible conflicts with neighboring groups.

The culture is also noted for the construction of trapezoidal longhouses, which were communal in nature and possibly used for both residential and ceremonial purposes. These large structures indicate a complex social organization and a degree of communal cooperation.

Subsistence and Economy

Agriculture was the backbone of the Lengyel economy, with a heavy emphasis on crop cultivation and animal husbandry. The primary crops cultivated included cereals such as wheat, barley, and millet, along with legumes and various vegetables. Domesticated animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats were integral to their subsistence strategy, providing not just food but also materials such as leather and wool.

This reliance on farming led to advancements in agricultural tools and techniques, facilitating greater yields and supporting larger populations. The Lengyel culture also engaged in trade, as evidenced by the distribution of exotic materials such as obsidian, which was used for crafting tools and other items.

Social Structure and Organization

The social structure of the Lengyel culture is inferred from archaeological evidence, suggesting a hierarchical society with emerging social stratification. This is indicated by the presence of varied grave goods and differences in burial practices, with some individuals being afforded more elaborate treatment, perhaps reflecting their status or role within the community.

Ceramic artifacts, particularly those with intricate decorations, suggest the existence of skilled artisans and possibly specialization of labor. The presence of ritualistic and symbolic items implies the importance of religion and ceremonial practices in their society.

Art and Symbolism

The Lengyel culture is renowned for its pottery, which stands out for its fine craftsmanship and intricate design. Characterized by colorful, painted geometric patterns and sometimes figurative motifs, Lengyel pottery often served both functional and decorative purposes. These ceramics reveal a sophisticated understanding of aesthetics and possibly held symbolic or ritual significance.

Figurines, often stylized representations of humans or animals, were also prevalent, reflecting the culture's artistic tendencies and potentially serving religious or symbolic purposes. These artifacts provide insight into the spiritual and cultural life of the Lengyel people.

Religion and Rituals

The spiritual beliefs and practices of the Lengyel culture are difficult to reconstruct in full, but archaeological evidence suggests a rich ritual life. Burials often contain grave goods such as ceramics, tools, and ornaments, pointing to beliefs in an afterlife or ancestor veneration.

The presence of figurines and other symbolic objects indicates the importance of religious or mythological themes in Lengyel society. These artifacts may have been used in ceremonies or as part of household worship, reflecting a complex spiritual life.

Legacy and Influence

The Lengyel culture had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of prehistoric Europe. As part of the broader Neolithic expansion, it played a role in the diffusion of agricultural practices and technological innovations across the continent. Its pottery style and motifs influenced subsequent cultures, and its development of social structures likely paved the way for the emergence of more complex societies in the Bronze Age.

In summary, the Late Neolithic Lengyel culture of Hungary represents a significant period of innovation and development. Its advancements in agriculture, architecture, social organization, and art demonstrate a society that was both complex and dynamic, laying important foundations for future European civilizations.

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Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
I1495 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4496 BCE Apc-Berekalya I, Hungary View
I2352 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4900 BCE Veszprém Jutasi út, Hungary View
I1899 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4900 BCE Veszprém Jutasi út, Hungary View
I1900 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4797 BCE Veszprém Jutasi út, Hungary View
I1901 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4900 BCE Veszprém Jutasi út, Hungary View
I1903 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4900 BCE Bátaszék-Lajvér, Hungary View
I1906 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4900 BCE Csabdi-Télizöldes, Hungary View
I18691 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4200 BCE Tolna county. Proletár trail. Dunaszentgyörgy, Hungary View
I1905 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4834 BCE Csabdi-Télizöldes, Hungary View
I1902 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4900 BCE Felsőörs-Bárókert, Hungary View
NE7 Late Neolithic Lengyel Culture, Hungary 4496 BCE Apc-Berekalya-1 (Heves County, Hatvan), Hungary View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (I1495) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.

Neolithic Farmers 78%
Western Steppe Pastoralists 13%
European Hunter-Gatherers 10%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (I1495) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.

These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.

Europe 87%
Southern European 87%
Italian 37.4%
Sardinian 21.7%
Iberian 19.2%
Balkan 8.6%
Asia 9%
Northern West Asian 9%
Cypriot 8.5%
Africa 5%
North African 5%
North African 3.5%
Egyptian 1.2%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample I1495 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

I1495,0.1110677,0.15877034,0.01436602,-0.05325452,0.05137356,-0.02600032,-0.00288986,0.00477752,0.0413746,0.06411342,-0.00151508,0.01023272,-0.01692314,-0.01190508,-0.0129694,0.0065821,0.01291552,0.00049664,0.00028226,-0.00183742,0.00046892,0.00480208,-0.01112522,-0.01793032,0.00317361
Analyze it in G25 Studio
Scientific Papers References
Genome-wide patterns of selection in 230 ancient Eurasians
Authors:
Mathieson I, Lazaridis I, Rohland N
Abstract:

Ancient DNA makes it possible to observe natural selection directly by analysing samples from populations before, during and after adaptation events. Here we report a genome-wide scan for selection using ancient DNA, capitalizing on the largest ancient DNA data set yet assembled: 230 West Eurasians who lived between 6500 and 300 bc, including 163 with newly reported data. The new samples include, to our knowledge, the first genome-wide ancient DNA from Anatolian Neolithic farmers, whose genetic material we obtained by extracting from petrous bones, and who we show were members of the population that was the source of Europe's first farmers. We also report a transect of the steppe region in Samara between 5600 and 300 bc, which allows us to identify admixture into the steppe from at least two external sources. We detect selection at loci associated with diet, pigmentation and immunity, and two independent episodes of selection on height.

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