A man buried in Russia in the Bronze Age era

MK5009

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:

MK5009

Date:

2879 BCE - 2631 BCE

Biological Sex:

Male

mtDNA:

R1a1a

Y-DNA:

R-KMS75

Cultural Period:

North Caucasus Culture, Russia

Location

Country:

Russia

Locality:

Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 5

Coordinates:

43.9054, 43.5219

Map Location

Historical Timeline

Description

The North Caucasus region is a diverse and culturally rich area located in the southwestern part of Russia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is home to a multitude of ethnic groups and has a complex history influenced by various empires and cultures over the centuries. The region is part of the larger Caucasus area, which is known for its mountainous terrain and strategic location as a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Historical Context

Historically, the North Caucasus has been a melting pot of different cultures, each contributing to the region's unique identity. Throughout the centuries, the area has been influenced by Persian, Mongol, Ottoman, and Russian empires. One of the notable aspects of the North Caucasus is its connection to the Steppe cultures, which include a range of nomadic groups that historically roamed the vast grasslands of Eurasia.

Pre-Russian Influence

Before the Russian empire extended its influence into the North Caucasus, the region was dominated by various local tribes and kingdoms. These included the Alans, Nakh peoples (including Chechens and Ingush), and Circassians, among others. Many of these groups were influenced by Persian culture and later Islamic traditions, particularly after the Arab conquests in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Russian Influence and the Caucasian Wars

The Russian Empire began its expansion into the North Caucasus in the 18th century, leading to a prolonged period of conflict known as the Caucasian Wars (1817-1864). This era was marked by resistance from local groups, most notably Imam Shamil and the Avar people, against Russian encroachment. The wars eventually resulted in the incorporation of the North Caucasus into the Russian Empire, bringing significant cultural and administrative changes to the region.

Cultural Characteristics

The North Caucasus is renowned for its diversity in languages, religions, and traditions. Many of the ethnic groups in the region have their own languages, with some belonging to the Northeast Caucasian language family, such as Chechen and Avar, while others speak Turkic languages like Kumyk.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in the North Caucasus, having been introduced during the early medieval period. Sufi Islam, in particular, has a strong presence, with various Sufi brotherhoods playing significant roles in the cultural and social life of the region. However, there are also Christian communities, particularly among the Ossetians, who are primarily Eastern Orthodox.

Traditions and Customs

The people of the North Caucasus are known for their strong adherence to traditional customs and social structures. These include clan and family ties, which play a crucial role in social organization and conflict resolution. Hospitality is a highly valued cultural trait, and traditional ceremonies and festivals remain important aspects of life in the region.

Arts and Crafts

The region boasts a rich tradition of arts and crafts, including intricate woodwork, metalwork, and textile production. Traditional music and dance are also integral to the local culture, often featuring unique instruments and rhythms that reflect the region's diverse heritage.

Modern Era and Challenges

In the modern era, the North Caucasus remains a region of strategic importance and cultural complexity. It has faced challenges such as political instability, ethnic tensions, and economic difficulties. The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a resurgence of ethnic and nationalist movements, resulting in conflicts like the Chechen Wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and promote stability and development in the region. Nonetheless, the North Caucasus continues to be an area where ancient traditions and modern influences intersect, creating a unique cultural landscape that is continually evolving.

Related Samples

Same Publication
Same Culture

Sample ID	Culture/Period	Date	Location	Action
ARM001	Early Bronze Age Armenia	3625 BCE	South Caucasus mountains. Kaps, Armenia	View
ARM002	Early Bronze Age Armenia	3356 BCE	South Caucasus mountains. Kaps, Armenia	View
AY2001	The Maikop Culture	3514 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Aygurskij 2, Russia	View
AY2003	The Maikop Culture	3630 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Aygurskij 2, Russia	View
BU2001	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2866 BCE	Piedmont. Belij Ugol 2, Russia	View
GW1001	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2883 BCE	Piedmont. Gorjačevodskij 1, Russia	View
I1722	Eneolithic Caucasus, Russia	4539 BCE	Unakozovskaya, Russia	View
I2051	Late Bronze Age Dolmen Culture, Caucasus, Russia	1450 BCE	North Caucasus. Marchenkova Gora, Russia	View
I2055	Eneolithic Caucasus, Russia	4676 BCE	Unakozovskaya, Russia	View
I2056	Eneolithic Caucasus, Russia	4607 BCE	Unakozovskaya, Russia	View
I6266	Maikop-Novosvobodnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3504 BCE	Klady. Dlinnaya Polyana, Russia	View
I6267	Maikop-Novosvobodnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3625 BCE	Klady. Dlinnaya Polyana, Russia	View
I6268	Maikop-Novosvobodnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3516 BCE	Klady. Dlinnaya Polyana, Russia	View
I6272	Maikop-Novosvobodnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3318 BCE	Klady. Dlinnaya Polyana, Russia	View
IV3002	The Maikop Culture	3617 BCE	North Caucasus steppe. Ipatovo 3, Russia	View
KBD001	Middle Bronze Age North Caucasus, Russia	2197 BCE	North Caucasus mountains. Kabardinka, Russia	View
KBD002	Middle Bronze Age North Caucasus, Russia	2192 BCE	North Caucasus mountains. Kabardinka, Russia	View
KDC001	Middle Bronze Age North Caucasus, Russia	1950 BCE	Piedmont/mountains. Kudachurt, Russia	View
KDC002	Middle Bronze Age North Caucasus, Russia	1900 BCE	Piedmont/mountains. Kudachurt, Russia	View
LYG001	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2866 BCE	Piedmont. Lysogarskaya, Russia	View
MK3003	Catacomb Culture, Russian Steppe	2580 BCE	Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 3, Russia	View
MK5001	Late Maikop Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3400 BCE	Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 5, Russia	View
MK5004	Late Maikop Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3400 BCE	Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 5, Russia	View
MK5008	Late Maikop Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3369 BCE	Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 5, Russia	View
MK5009	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2879 BCE	Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 5, Russia	View
NV3001	Lola Culture, Russian Steppe	2127 BCE	North Caucasus steppe. Nevinnommiskij 3, Russia	View
OSS001	Maikop Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3704 BCE	Piedmont. Ossetia, Russia	View
PG2001	Eneolithic Russian Steppe	4994 BCE	Piedmont. Progress 2, Russia	View
PG2002	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2476 BCE	Piedmont. Progress 2, Russia	View
PG2004	Eneolithic Russian Steppe	4240 BCE	Piedmont. Progress 2, Russia	View
RK1001	Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	2881 BCE	Kuban steppe. Rasshevatskij 1, Russia	View
RK1003	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2899 BCE	Kuban steppe. Rasshevatskij 1, Russia	View
RK1007	Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3331 BCE	Kuban steppe. Rasshevatskij 1, Russia	View
RK4001	Catacomb Culture, Russian Steppe	2451 BCE	Kuban steppe. Rasshevatskij 4, Russia	View
RK4002	Catacomb Culture, Russian Steppe	2662 BCE	Kuban steppe. Rasshevatskij 4, Russia	View
SA6001	The Maikop Culture	3520 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Šarachalsun 6, Russia	View
I11133	Late Maikop Culture, Russia	3332 BCE	Sinjucha. Kuban steppe, Russia	View
SA6003	Catacomb Culture, Russian Steppe	2470 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Šarachalsun 6, Russia	View
SA6004	The Maikop Culture	3359 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Šarachalsun 6, Russia	View
SA6010	Russian Yamnaya	2886 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Šarachalsun 6, Russia	View
SA6013	The Maikop Culture	3360 BCE	Kaspi steppe. Šarachalsun 6, Russia	View
I11131	Late Maikop Culture, Russia	3349 BCE	Sinjucha. Kuban steppe, Russia	View
I11132	Late Maikop Culture, Russia	3350 BCE	Sinjucha. Kuban steppe, Russia	View
VEK006	Kura-Araxes Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3000 BCE	Caspian sea shore. Velikent, Russia	View
VEK007	Kura-Araxes Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3000 BCE	Caspian sea shore. Velikent, Russia	View
VJ1001	Eneolithic Russian Steppe	4337 BCE	Piedmont. Vonjucka 1, Russia	View
ZO2002	Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3300 BCE	North Caucasus steppe. Zolotarjëvka 2, Russia	View
OSS002	The Maikop Culture	3932 BCE	Ossetia'. Piedmont, Russia	View
MK5005	The Maikop Culture	3650 BCE	Mar'inskaja 5. Piedmont, Russia	View
I1723	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2877 BCE	Goryachevadskiy, Russia	View
I1720	Maikop Culture, Caucasus, Russia	3700 BCE	Baksanyonok, Russia	View
ARM002		3356 BCE	South Caucasus mountains. Kaps, Armenia	View
VEK007		3000 BCE	Caspian sea shore. Velikent, Russia	View
I1720		3700 BCE	Baksanyonok, Russia	View
I1723		2877 BCE	Goryachevadskiy, Russia	View
SA6002	Late Maikop Culture, Russia	3332 BCE	Sinyukha (Republic of Adygea, Krasnogvardeysky District), Russia	View
SIJ002	Late Maikop Culture, Russia	3349 BCE	Sinyukha (Republic of Adygea, Krasnogvardeysky District), Russia	View
SIJ003	Late Maikop Culture, Russia	3350 BCE	Sinyukha (Republic of Adygea, Krasnogvardeysky District), Russia	View

Sample ID	Culture/Period	Date	Location	Action
BU2001	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2866 BCE	Piedmont. Belij Ugol 2, Russia	View
GW1001	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2883 BCE	Piedmont. Gorjačevodskij 1, Russia	View
LYG001	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2866 BCE	Piedmont. Lysogarskaya, Russia	View
MK5009	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2879 BCE	Piedmont. Mar'inskaja 5, Russia	View
PG2002	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2476 BCE	Piedmont. Progress 2, Russia	View
RK1003	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2899 BCE	Kuban steppe. Rasshevatskij 1, Russia	View
I1723	North Caucasus Culture, Russia	2877 BCE	Goryachevadskiy, Russia	View

Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (MK5009) 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 44%

European Hunter-Gatherers 29%

Neolithic Farmers 21%

Ancient Asians 6%

Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (MK5009) 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 53%

Northwestern European 27%

English 13.3%

Finnish 6.2%

Northwestern European 5.3%

Scandinavian 2.1%

Eastern European 26%

Eastern European 26.3%

Asia 47%

Northern West Asian 34%

Caucasian 34.5%

Central Asian, Northern Indian & Pakistani 12%

Pakistan 10.2%

Indian 2.1%

G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample MK5009 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

MK5009,0.11126308,0.08654126,0.01226066,0.03460262,-0.01471574,0.01848942,0.01007886,0.00405968,-0.0307988,-0.03253294,0.00020234,-0.00012446,0.00105054,0.00037164,0.00511782,0.00153752,-0.00201144,-6.874E-05,0.0005737,-0.00391678,0.00010362,-0.0005257,0.00102094,0.00967306,8.24E-06

Analyze it in G25 Studio

Scientific Papers References

Ancient human genome-wide data from a 3000-year interval in the Caucasus corresponds with eco-geographic regions

Authors:

Wang CC, Reinhold S, Kalmykov A

Abstract:

Archaeogenetic studies have described the formation of Eurasian 'steppe ancestry' as a mixture of Eastern and Caucasus hunter-gatherers. However, it remains unclear when and where this ancestry arose and whether it was related to a horizon of cultural innovations in the 4th millennium BCE that subsequently facilitated the advance of pastoral societies in Eurasia. Here we generated genome-wide SNP data from 45 prehistoric individuals along a 3000-year temporal transect in the North Caucasus. We observe a genetic separation between the groups of the Caucasus and those of the adjacent steppe. The northern Caucasus groups are genetically similar to contemporaneous populations south of it, suggesting human movement across the mountain range during the Bronze Age. The steppe groups from Yamnaya and subsequent pastoralist cultures show evidence for previously undetected farmer-related ancestry from different contact zones, while Steppe Maykop individuals harbour additional Upper Palaeolithic Siberian and Native American related ancestry.

Link:

View Publication