A woman buried in Hungary in the Middle Neolithic era

I1499
Portrait reconstruction
Disclaimer: The portrait shown is a speculative reconstruction and not the actual face of the ancient sample. It represents an artistic interpretation based on archaeological data.
Specimen Details
Sample ID:
I1499
Date:
5286 BCE - 5015 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
X2b-a
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
Middle Neolithic Alföld Linear Pottery Culture Bükk Group, Hungary
Location
Country:
Hungary
Locality:
Garadna
Coordinates:
48.5200, 21.1680
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Middle Neolithic Alföld Linear Pottery Culture (ALPc), specifically the Bükk Group, represents a fascinating and distinct prehistoric culture that flourished in what is now Hungary during the European Neolithic period, roughly between 5000 and 4800 BCE. This era is marked by significant advancements in agricultural practices, settlement patterns, and artistic expression, contributing to our understanding of early European societies.

Geographic and Temporal Context

The Bükk Group is localized primarily in the northeastern part of Hungary, particularly in the Bükk Mountains and surrounding areas. This region provides a varied landscape that includes mountainous terrain, fertile plains, and river valleys, which were highly conducive to the development of early agrarian societies. The geographic location offered natural resources that supported both agricultural and pastoral lifestyles.

Settlements and Architecture

Settlements of the Bükk Group were characterized by small to medium-sized villages, often strategically located near water sources. The choice of settlement sites suggests an understanding of environmental resources, which was crucial for sustaining agriculture. Houses were typically rectangular with wattle and daub construction, though there also exist examples of pit houses. These structures offer insights into the community's architectural practices and adaptive strategies to their environment.

Subsistence Practices

Agriculture was the cornerstone of the Bükk Group's economy, with evidence suggesting the cultivation of cereals such as emmer wheat and barley. Additionally, they domesticated animals like cattle, pigs, and sheep, which complemented their agricultural activities. This mixed farming economy provided a stable food supply and laid the foundation for population growth and social development.

Material Culture and Artifacts

The Bükk Group is particularly renowned for its pottery, which exhibits intricate designs and is considered some of the most aesthetically sophisticated of the Neolithic period in this region. Pottery often featured geometric patterns and incised motifs filled with a white paste that contrasted with the reddish-brown clay. These vessels were not just utilitarian but also held cultural significance, perhaps used in rituals or as status symbols.

Lithic technology, while simpler compared to the pottery, showed a high degree of refinement. Flint was often utilized for tools such as blades, scrapers, and arrowheads, indicating advanced skills in tool-making and a deep understanding of material properties.

Social and Ritual Aspects

The complexity of the pottery designs and the effort invested in their creation suggest that the Bükk Group had a well-developed sense of social and possibly religious structure. While direct evidence of religious practices is sparse, the presence of figurines and the elaborate decoration of pottery indicate ritualistic or symbolic roles within their society.

Interactions and Trade

The ALPc Bükk Group engaged in trade and exchange networks that reached beyond their immediate environment. Archaeological findings of obsidian and other exotic materials suggest long-distance connections, which facilitated cultural and technological exchanges. These interactions likely played a role in the dissemination of Neolithic innovations across Central Europe.

Contributions to Neolithic Europe

The Bükk Group illustrates the dynamic nature of Neolithic societies in Europe. Their advancements in agriculture, craftsmanship, and social organization contributed to the broader narrative of human development during this pivotal era. As such, they are an essential part of understanding the transition from nomadic to settled lifestyles in human history.

In summary, the Middle Neolithic Alföld Linear Pottery Culture Bükk Group in Hungary represents a significant and complex society that made lasting contributions to Neolithic culture in Europe. Through their agricultural practices, artistic achievements, and social structures, they provide essential insights into the development of early European civilization.

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Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
I1499 Middle Neolithic Alföld Linear Pottery Culture Bükk Group, Hungary 5286 BCE Garadna, Hungary View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (I1499) 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 75%
Western Steppe Pastoralists 18%
European Hunter-Gatherers 7%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (I1499) 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 90%
Southern European 88%
Italian 35.3%
Sardinian 19.7%
Iberian 19.1%
Balkan 14.3%
Northwestern European 2%
Northwestern European 2.0%
Asia 6%
Arab, Egyptian & Levantine 4%
Levantine 2.2%
Arabian 1.7%
Northern West Asian 2%
Cypriot 1.7%
Africa 4%
North African 4%
North African 3.6%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample I1499 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

I1499,0.11277094,0.15843484,0.0169169,-0.04935984,0.05165316,-0.02453596,-0.00266282,0.0045488,0.0406337,0.06222304,-0.00240458,0.010308,-0.01721642,-0.01198872,-0.01050758,0.00642752,0.01032164,0.00041736,0.0010444,-0.00176578,0.00139678,0.00545466,-0.01154078,-0.01790252,0.00330866
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.

Link:
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