A woman buried in Germany in the Middle Bronze Age era

The Middle Bronze Age in the Lech Valley, located in present-day Bavaria, Germany, is a significant period within the central European Bronze Age, roughly spanning from 1600 to 1200 BCE. This era is characterized by considerable advancements in metallurgy, trade, societal organization, and cultural development.
Geography and Environment:
The Lech Valley is strategically situated along the river Lech, which flows northwards from the Alps towards the Danube River. This geographic position provides a fertile landscape, supporting agriculture and making it an attractive location for settlement. The valley also serves as a natural corridor for trade and migration, linking the Alpine region with the broader European landscape.
Metallurgy and Craftsmanship:
The Middle Bronze Age in the Lech Valley witnessed significant advancements in metalworking techniques. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, played a crucial role not only in tool and weapon manufacture but also in crafting decorative and ceremonial objects. Artisans in the region developed sophisticated methods for casting and shaping bronze, evidenced by the discovery of intricate tools, weapons such as swords and axes, and ornate jewelry.
These skills indicate a deep understanding of metallurgy and suggest that the Lech Valley was part of a broader network of trade and cultural exchange, facilitating access to raw materials like tin, which were not locally available.
Economy and Trade:
The Lech Valley economy during the Middle Bronze Age was primarily agrarian, with a strong emphasis on farming and animal husbandry. Settlements were likely organized around fertile lands suitable for growing cereals and other crops. The presence of animal bones in archaeological digs points to the importance of cattle, sheep, and goats, both for subsistence and as economic resources.
Trade networks were extensive, connecting the valley to distant regions. Evidence of non-local materials such as amber and certain types of pottery suggests active trade connections with cultures as far afield as the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The Lech Valley's location made it a key node in these networks, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices.
Social Structure and Settlement:
During the Middle Bronze Age, there was a noticeable shift towards more complex social structures within the Lech Valley. This period saw the emergence of hierarchical societies, as indicated by burial practices and settlement patterns. Large fortified settlements and smaller satellite communities suggest an organized society capable of coordinated construction efforts and defense strategies.
Grave goods found in burial sites also testify to social stratification, with wealthier individuals interred with elaborate artifacts and weaponry. Such burial customs highlight the presence of social elites or leaders possibly responsible for controlling trade, religious rituals, and political alliances.
Culture and Religion:
The culture of the Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley is deeply intertwined with the broader Urnfield culture, which is characterized by the practice of cremation and the burial of ashes in urns. This transition from inhumation to cremation reflects evolving spiritual beliefs and funerary customs.
Artifacts such as pottery, figurines, and ceremonial items provide insight into the cultural and religious lives of the Lech Valley inhabitants. These objects often bear decorative elements, including geometric patterns and intricate motifs, indicating a rich aesthetic tradition with possible symbolic or ritual significance.
Conclusion:
The Middle Bronze Age in the Lech Valley represents a period of cultural sophistication, technological advancement, and increased social complexity. This era saw significant developments in metallurgy, agriculture, and trade, marking the Lech Valley as an essential player in the cultural landscape of Central Europe. Its people were part of a dynamic network of interactions that shaped the region's history and laid foundations for subsequent cultural evolutions leading into the Late Bronze Age and beyond.
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
AITI_119 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1883 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_120 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1870 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_2 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1885 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_32 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1881 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_33 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1740 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_37 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2018 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_43 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1888 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_55 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1926 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_5 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1893 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_65adult | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1885 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_66 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1917 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_70 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2116 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_72 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1931 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_77A | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2016 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_77B | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1890 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_78 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1891 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_92 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1890 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_95 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1872 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_98 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1742 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
ALT_3 | Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany | 2600 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View |
ALT_4 | Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany | 2573 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View |
AMP_1 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2473 BCE | Königsbrunn-Ampack, Germany | View |
HUGO_169Sk1 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2566 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
HUGO_180Sk2 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2461 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
OBKR_117 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2022 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_2 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2026 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_47 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2139 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_50 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2114 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_66 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2029 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_67 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2026 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_73 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2027 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_80 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2136 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_81 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2027 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_86 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2035 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_93 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2112 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_95 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2029 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_96 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2016 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_9A | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2026 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OTTM_141 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1672 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_142 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1687 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_151ind1 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1746 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_151ind2 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1617 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_152 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1620 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_165 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1736 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_81 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1620 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_84 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1622 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_87 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1687 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_91 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1427 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
POST_12 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2193 BCE | Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_131 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2127 BCE | Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_140 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2124 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_1 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2027 BCE | Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_28 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2027 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_32 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2034 BCE | Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_35 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2035 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_44 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2189 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_47 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2136 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_50 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2199 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_6 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2015 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_99 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2133 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
UNTA58_147 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2035 BCE | Haunstetten-Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA58_152 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2011 BCE | Haunstetten-Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA58_153 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2008 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA58_67 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2451 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA58_68Sk1 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2500 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA58_68Sk2 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2468 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA85_1336 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2463 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 85 I (northern group), Germany | View |
UNTA85_1343 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2401 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 85 I (northern group), Germany | View |
UNTA85_1412 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2028 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 85, Germany | View |
WEHR_1192SkA | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2339 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1193 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1947 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1414 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2026 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1415adult | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2014 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1415child | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2022 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1474 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2030 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1564 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2021 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
WEHR_1586 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1952 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
AITI_87 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1875 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
FMW | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2138 BCE | Friedberg - Metzgerwäldchen, Germany | View |
HUGO_167 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2275 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
HUGO_168 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2291 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
HUGO_171 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2397 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
HUGO_180Sk1 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2457 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
HUGO_190 | Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2275 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View |
OBKR_6 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2031 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_76 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2016 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_82 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2027 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
OBKR_84 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2022 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View |
POST_16 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2029 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_2 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2131 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_85 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2127 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
UNTA121_FK61 | Corded Ware Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2906 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 121, Germany | View |
UNTA58_149 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2026 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View |
UNTA89_FK231 | Corded Ware Culture, Lech Valley, Germany | 2876 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 89, Germany | View |
WEHR_1192SkB | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1926 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View |
AITI_50 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1926 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_40 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1883 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
OTTM_156 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1606 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_154 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1943 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
ALT_1 | Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany | 2572 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View |
AITI_36 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2011 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_62A | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1886 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
ALT_2 | Corded Ware Culture, Tauber Valley, Germany | 2600 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View |
OTTM_141A | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1671 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
AITI_86 | Early Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1894 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View |
AITI_87 | 1875 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
HUGO_168 | 2291 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View | |
HUGO_171 | 2397 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View | |
HUGO_180Sk1 | 2457 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View | |
HUGO_190 | 2275 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View | |
WEHR_1192SkB | 1926 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
AITI_36 | 2011 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_40 | 1883 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_50 | 1926 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_86 | 1894 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
OTTM_141A | 1671 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
OTTM_154 | 1943 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
OTTM_156 | 1606 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
AITI_62A | 1886 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_65adult | 1885 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_66 | 1917 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_77A | 2016 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_77B | 1890 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_92 | 1890 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
AITI_95 | 1872 BCE | Kleinaitingen - Gewerbegebiet Nord, Germany | View | |
ALT_1 | 2572 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View | |
ALT_2 | 2600 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View | |
ALT_3 | 2600 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View | |
ALT_4 | 2573 BCE | Althausen, Germany | View | |
AMP_1 | 2473 BCE | Königsbrunn-Ampack, Germany | View | |
HUGO_180Sk2 | 2461 BCE | Augsburg - Hugo-Eckener-Straße, Germany | View | |
OBKR_117 | 2022 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_2 | 2026 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_47 | 2139 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_50 | 2114 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_66 | 2029 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_67 | 2026 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_73 | 2027 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_81 | 2027 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_86 | 2035 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_93 | 2112 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_95 | 2029 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_96 | 2016 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OBKR_9A | 2026 BCE | Königsbrunn - Obere Kreuzstraße (Baugebiet 110), Germany | View | |
OTTM_142 | 1687 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
OTTM_151ind2 | 1617 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
OTTM_152 | 1620 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
POST_1 | 2027 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View | |
POST_12 | 2193 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View | |
POST_131 | 2127 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View | |
POST_32 | 2034 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View | |
POST_35 | 2035 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View | |
POST_99 | 2133 BCE | Haunstetten - Postillionstraße, Germany | View | |
UNTA58_147 | 2035 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View | |
UNTA58_152 | 2011 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View | |
UNTA58_68Sk2 | 2468 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 58-62, Germany | View | |
UNTA85_1336 | 2463 BCE | Haunstetten - Unterer Talweg 85 I (northern group), Germany | View | |
WEHR_1193 | 1947 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
WEHR_1414 | 2026 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
WEHR_1415adult | 2014 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
WEHR_1474 | 2030 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
WEHR_1564 | 2021 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
WEHR_1586 | 1952 BCE | Wehringen - Hochfeld, Germany | View | |
OTTM_142 | 1687 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
OTTM_152 | 1620 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View | |
OTTM_151ind2 | 1617 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
OTTM_141 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1672 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_142 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1687 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_151ind1 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1746 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_151ind2 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1617 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_152 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1620 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_165 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1736 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_81 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1620 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_84 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1622 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_87 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1687 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_91 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1427 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
POST_12 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2193 BCE | Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
POST_1 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 2027 BCE | Haunstetten-Postillionstraße, Germany | View |
OTTM_156 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1606 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_154 | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1943 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
OTTM_141A | Middle Bronze Age Lech Valley, Germany | 1671 BCE | Oberottmarshausen - Kiesgrube Lauter, Germany | View |
Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (OTTM_151ind1) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.
Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (OTTM_151ind1) 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.
The G25 coordinates for the sample OTTM_151ind1 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.
OTTM_151ind1,0.1110836,0.14079644,0.05718648,0.0278652,0.04604832,0.00948032,-0.00016664,0.0017682,0.01436924,0.01764796,-0.00939004,0.01094136,-0.01779132,-0.0095184,0.01847172,-0.00763684,-0.0196924,-0.00134888,-3.628E-05,-0.0019026,0.00785,0.0032708,-0.00955376,0.00203764,-0.00181546
Kinship-based social inequality in Bronze Age Europe
Revealing and understanding the mechanisms behind social inequality in prehistoric societies is a major challenge. By combining genome-wide data, isotopic evidence, and anthropological and archaeological data, we have gone beyond the dominating supraregional approaches in archaeogenetics to shed light on the complexity of social status, inheritance rules, and mobility during the Bronze Age. We applied a deep microregional approach and analyzed genome-wide data of 104 human individuals deriving from farmstead-related cemeteries from the Late Neolithic to the Middle Bronze Age in southern Germany. Our results reveal individual households, lasting several generations, that consisted of a high-status core family and unrelated low-status individuals; a social organization accompanied by patrilocality and female exogamy; and the stability of this system over 700 years.