A woman buried in Germany in the Early Bronze Age era

LEU018
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:
LEU018
Date:
2200 BCE - 1700 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
H1j3
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany
Location
Country:
Germany
Locality:
Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis)
Coordinates:
51.1903, 11.1697
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Early Bronze Age Únětice culture, which flourished in what is now modern-day Germany (as well as in parts of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria) from approximately 2300 to 1600 BCE, represents a significant period within the broader context of the European Bronze Age. This culture is named after the village of Únětice, near Prague, where key archaeological discoveries were made.

Geographical Spread and Influence

The Únětice culture covered a substantial area of Central Europe, predominantly within the regions of Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria. In Germany, it particularly influenced areas such as Saxony, Thuringia, and Bavaria. Its spread across these regions suggests a well-connected network of trade and cultural exchange.

Social Structure and Organization

Únětice society is believed to have been relatively hierarchical, indicated by the varying wealth and goods found in burial sites. The emergence of social stratification is evident from the prominent burial mounds, or tumuli, that framed the landscape. Some individuals, presumably of higher status, were interred with valuable grave goods, which included metalwork and exotic items.

Metallurgy and Technological Advances

One of the defining features of the Únětice culture was its advancements in metallurgy. This period marked a transition from the use of native copper to the alloying of bronze, a harder and more versatile material. The culture is known for producing various metal objects, such as weapons (including daggers and axes), tools, and personal ornaments (such as pins and bracelets).

Únětice metalwork often features intricate designs and demonstrates high levels of craftsmanship. The development and widespread use of bronze played a crucial role in the culture's economic and social systems, facilitating trade and elevating the status of craft specialists within society.

Burial Practices

Burial customs provide significant insights into the Únětice culture. The typical burial was inhumation, with bodies often placed in a flexed position. Notably, burial sites frequently included grave goods, which ranged from pottery and jewelry to weapons. The richness and variety of these goods have led archaeologists to deduce the presence of a class-based society.

Some prominent burial sites, like those found at Leubingen and Helmsdorf in Germany, contain extensive remains and rich grave goods, indicating the importance of certain individuals and possibly their status as leaders or elites within the society.

Economy and Trade

The Únětice culture was part of a broader network of trade routes that extended across Europe. The distribution of Únětice artifacts, especially metalwork, suggests commercial exchanges not only within its geographical boundaries but also with distant regions. The exchange network likely included raw materials such as tin and copper, critical for bronze production.

Agriculture was also a vital component of the Únětice economy, with evidence of crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Settlements were typically situated in fertile areas conducive to farming, reflecting a semi-sedentary way of life.

Art and Symbolism

While the Únětice culture did not leave behind a wealth of artistic expressions in the form of visual art, the design and symbolism in metalwork and pottery suggest a complex cultural identity. Patterns and motifs found on various objects may hold symbolic meanings or denote cultural affiliations.

Decline and Legacy

By around 1600 BCE, the Únětice culture began to decline, paving the way for other regional cultures. However, its influence persisted, laying the foundations for subsequent cultures in Central Europe. Its advancements in metallurgy and establishment of trade networks were particularly consequential for the development of later European societies.

In summary, the Early Bronze Age Únětice culture in Germany represents a period of significant social, technological, and economic transformation. Its contributions to metallurgy, complex social structures, and expansive trade networks highlight its role as a pivotal cultural force in the European Bronze Age narrative.

Related Samples
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
LEU007 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 1919 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU017 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU018 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU021 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU023 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2192 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU024 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU025 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU02651 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU026 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU027 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2008 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU029 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU008 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU030 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU031 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2136 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU032 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU033 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU034 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU035 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU036 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2196 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU037 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU038 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2197 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU039 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU009 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU040 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU041 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2198 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU044 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU046 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU050 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2201 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU051 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU052 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU053 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2134 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU055 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU056 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU010 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2188 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU057 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU058 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2199 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU059 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2024 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU060 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2027 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU061 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU063 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU064 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU065 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2191 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU011 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2140 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU012 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU013 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2278 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU014 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2201 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU015 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU016 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2191 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
I0115 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 1959 BCE Esperstedt, Germany View
I0117 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2276 BCE Esperstedt, Germany View
I0804 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2139 BCE Eulau, Germany View
I0803 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2135 BCE Eulau, Germany View
I0164 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2027 BCE Quedlinburg Site VIII, Germany View
I0114 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Esperstedt, Germany View
I0116 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2137 BCE Esperstedt, Germany View
I0047 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2116 BCE Halberstadt-Sonntagsfeld, Germany View
LEU007 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 1919 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU017 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU018 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU021 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU023 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2192 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU024 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU025 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU02651 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU026 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU027 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2008 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU029 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU008 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU030 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU031 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2136 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU032 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU033 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU034 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU035 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU036 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2196 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU037 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU038 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2197 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU039 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU009 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU040 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU041 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2198 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU044 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU046 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU050 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2201 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU051 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU052 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU053 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2134 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU055 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU056 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU010 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2188 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU057 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU058 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2199 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU059 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2024 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU060 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2027 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU061 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-2 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU063 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU064 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU065 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2191 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU011 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2140 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU012 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2200 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU013 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2278 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU014 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2201 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU015 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2141 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
LEU016 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Germany 2191 BCE Leubingen-1 (Thüringen, Kyffhäuserkreis), Germany View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (LEU018) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.

Western Steppe Pastoralists 46%
European Hunter-Gatherers 35%
Neolithic Farmers 19%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (LEU018) 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 88%
Northwestern European 73%
English 36.5%
Scandinavian 14.4%
Finnish 11.3%
Northwestern European 10.8%
Eastern European 15%
Eastern European 15.1%
Asia 12%
Northern West Asian 7%
Caucasian 6.3%
Cypriot 1.0%
Central Asian, Northern Indian & Pakistani 4%
Pakistan 3.3%
Indian 1.1%
America 0%
America 0%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample LEU018 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

LEU018,0.13156626,0.11566936,0.0523934,0.05491592,0.02873254,0.02393602,0.00490442,0.0064834,-0.0004859,-0.01147168,-0.00592516,0.00381778,0.00332018,-0.00342262,0.00824138,0.00129156,-0.0086038,0.00070366,-0.00056958,-0.00110556,0.0030228,0.00258124,0.00251432,0.00545514,-0.00179556
Analyze it in G25 Studio
Scientific Papers References
Kinship practices at the early bronze age site of Leubingen in Central Germany
Authors:
Penske S, Küßner M, Rohrlach AB
Abstract:

With the beginning of the Early Bronze Age in Central Europe ~ 2200 BC, a regional and supra-regional hierarchical social organization emerged with few individuals in positions of power (chiefs), set apart by rich graves with extensive burial constructions. However, the social organization and stratification within the majority of people, who represent the non-elite, remain unclear. Here, we present genome-wide data of 46 individuals from the Early Bronze Age burial ground of Leubingen in today's Germany, integrating archaeological, genetic and strontium isotope data to gain new insights into Early Bronze Age societies. We were able to reconstruct five pedigrees which constitute the members of close biological kinship groups (parents and their offspring), and also identify individuals who are not related to individuals buried at the site. Based on combined lines of evidence, we observe that the kinship structure of the burial community was predominantly patrilineal/virilocal involving female exogamy. Further, we detect a difference in the amount of grave goods among the individuals buried at Leubingen based on genetic sex, age at death and locality but see no difference in the types of grave goods.

Link:
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