A woman buried in Czechia in the Bronze Age era

RISE577
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:
RISE577
Date:
2500 BCE - 1900 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
T2b
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
Early Bronze Age Únětice Culture
Location
Country:
Czechia
Locality:
Velké-Přílepy (Středočeský kraj, okres Praha-západ)
Coordinates:
50.1667, 14.3167
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Early Bronze Age Únětice Culture, flourishing approximately between 2300 and 1600 BCE, represents a significant archaeological and cultural phenomenon that occupied large areas of Central Europe, particularly in present-day Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. This culture is named after the village of Únětice, located near Prague, where the first investigations of such sites were conducted. This culture provides an insightful glimpse into the transitional dynamics between Neolithic communities and the more stratified societies of the Bronze Age.

Geographical Context and Settlement Pattern

Únětice Culture settlements were primarily distributed across fertile river valleys and arable landscapes that offered rich resources for agriculture and pastoralism. These areas included the basins of major rivers such as the Danube, Elbe, and Oder. The settlements typically consisted of small to medium-sized hamlets with semi-subterranean houses made from wood and clay. Some evidence suggests larger and more complex settlements existed, indicating varying degrees of social organization.

Economy and Subsistence

The economy of the Únětice Culture was predominantly agrarian, with agriculture and animal husbandry forming the backbone of subsistence strategies. The cultivation of crops such as barley, wheat, and millet complemented the keeping of livestock, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Evidence suggests that Únětice communities practiced mixed farming, adapting their methods to the specific environmental conditions of their locales. The use of metallurgy within the culture was significant in advancing agricultural technology, notably with bronze tools aiding in both farming and woodworking.

Metallurgy and Craftsmanship

The Únětice Culture is renowned for its advancements in metallurgy, which is central to understanding its place in the Early Bronze Age. It reflects a society with a high degree of skill in metalworking, primarily working with bronze, a critical alloy of copper and tin. The production of bronze tools, weapons, and ornaments signified technological advancement, with items like axes, sickles, and daggers being common. The presence of decorative items such as pins and spirals indicates a culture with both utilitarian and aesthetic metalwork practices. This metallurgical development played a key role in trade, linking Únětice communities with distant regions.

Burial Practices and Social Structure

Burial rites within the Únětice Culture are particularly insightful in understanding its social structure. The common practice involved inhumation in simple pit-graves, often containing rich grave goods, including pottery, metal objects, and sometimes evidence of textiles. Burial goods indicate a hierarchy or stratified society, with some graves, notably 'princely' burials, containing elaborate collections of items denoting high social status or wealth. The orientation of graves and specific burial customs hint at complex belief systems and social affiliations within the culture.

Trade and Interaction

The Únětice Culture was part of extensive trade networks across Europe, which facilitated the movement of goods, technology, and cultural influences. The culture's proficiency in metallurgy, combined with a strategic location, allowed them to be active participants in trade routes that reached as far as the British Isles and the Eastern Mediterranean. Materials such as tin, essential for bronze production, likely reached Únětice peoples through these networks, highlighting their role in broader Bronze Age exchange systems.

Artistic and Cultural Expression

The Únětice Culture, while primarily recognized for its technological achievements, also demonstrated artistic expression through pottery, metalwork, and carved bone or amber ornaments. Ceramics were typically undecorated or simply adorned, reflecting functional styles suitable for daily use. However, the craftsmanship evident in metal objects often displayed intricate designs, showcasing an appreciation for aesthetic value alongside utility.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of the Únětice Culture lies in its contributions to the development of early European societies, particularly its pioneering role in establishing Bronze Age trade networks and metallurgy techniques. The cultural and technological practices of the Únětice would influence succeeding cultures, such as the Tumulus culture, pointing to a continuity and evolution of traditions fundamental to European prehistory.

In summary, the Early Bronze Age Únětice Culture of Únětice represents a pivotal moment in prehistoric Europe, characterized by significant strides in metallurgy, dynamic trade interactions, and the development of complex social structures. It offers valuable insights into the transformational processes that shaped early European history, marking a transition from Stone Age lifestyles to more advanced and hierarchical Bronze Age societies.

Related Samples
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
RISE397 Late Bronze Age Armenia 1049 BCE Kapan, Armenia View
RISE396 Late Bronze Age Armenia 1196 BCE Kapan, Armenia View
RISE407 Late Bronze Age Armenia 1118 BCE Norabak, Armenia View
RISE408 Late Bronze Age Armenia 1212 BCE Norabak, Armenia View
RISE412 Late Bronze Age Armenia 1201 BCE Noratus, Armenia View
RISE423 Middle Bronze Age Armenia 1407 BCE Nerquin Getashen, Armenia View
RISE416 Middle Bronze Age Armenia 1616 BCE Nerquin Getashen, Armenia View
RISE413 Middle Bronze Age Armenia 1919 BCE Nerquin Getashen, Armenia View
RISE98 Late Neolithic Sweden 2278 BCE L Beddinge 56, Sweden View
RISE174 Iron Age Sweden 433 CE Oxie 7, Sweden View
RISE94 Battle Axe Culture, Sweden 2623 BCE Viby, Sweden View
RISE97 Late Neolithic Sweden 2030 BCE Fredriksberg, Sweden View
RISE175 Bronze Age Sweden 1396 BCE Abekås I, Sweden View
RISE210 Bronze Age Sweden 1436 BCE Ängamöllan, Sweden View
RISE179 Late Neolithic Sweden 2015 BCE Abekås I, Sweden View
RISE207 Bronze Age Sweden 1495 BCE Ängamöllan, Sweden View
RISE497 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1400 BCE Arban 1, Russia View
RISE505 Andronovo Culture, Russia 1862 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE493 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1518 BCE Sabinka 2, Russia View
RISE495 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1400 BCE Arban 1, Russia View
RISE511 Afanasievo Culture 2909 BCE Bateni, Russia View
RISE523 Mezhovskaya Culture, Russia 1531 BCE Kapova cave, Russia View
RISE496 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1416 BCE Arban 1, Russia View
RISE552 Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kalmykia, Russia 2846 BCE Ulan V, Russia View
RISE500 Andronovo Culture, Russia 1700 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE504 Iron Age 2 Russia 709 CE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE395 Mid-Late Bronze Sintashta 2008 BCE Bol'shekaraganskii, Russia View
RISE499 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1400 BCE Bystrovka, Russia View
RISE502 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1497 BCE Bystrovka, Russia View
RISE548 Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kalmykia, Russia 3300 BCE Temrta IV, Russia View
RISE602 Iron Age 3 Russia 1000 BCE Sary-Bel, Russia View
RISE601 Iron Age 3 Russia 1000 BCE Verh-Uimon, Russia View
RISE503 Andronovo Culture, Russia 1731 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE547 Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kalmykia, Russia 2886 BCE Temrta IV, Russia View
RISE392 Mid-Late Bronze Sintashta 2131 BCE Stepnoe VII Cemetery, Russia View
RISE600 Iron Age 3 Russia 1000 BCE Verh-Uimon, Russia View
RISE550 Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kalmykia, Russia 3335 BCE Peshany V, Russia View
RISE507.508.merge Afanasievo Culture 3323 BCE River Kuyum, Russia View
RISE394 Mid-Late Bronze Sintashta 1953 BCE Bulanovo, Russia View
RISE386 Mid-Late Bronze Sintashta 2335 BCE Bulanovo, Russia View
RISE512 Andronovo Culture, Russia 1488 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
I3425 Karasuk Culture, Russia 1417 BCE Sabinka 2, Russia View
RISE525 Mezhovskaya Culture, Russia 1300 BCE Kapova cave, Russia View
RISE510 Afanasievo Culture 2848 BCE Bateni, Russia View
RISE555 Early Bronze Age Russia 2853 BCE Stalingrad Quarry, Russia View
RISE240 Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kalmykia, Russia 2879 BCE Sukhaya Termista I, Russia View
RISE554 Late Bronze Age 2 Russia 1009 BCE Afontova Gora, Russia View
RISE546 Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kalmykia, Russia 3300 BCE Temrta IV, Russia View
I3423 Karasuk Culture, Russia 393 BCE Sabinka 2, Russia View
RISE553 Late Bronze Age 1 Russia 927 BCE Afontova Gora, Russia View
RISE524 Mezhovskaya Culture, Russia 1300 BCE Kapova cave, Russia View
RISE150 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Poland 1886 BCE Przeclawice, Poland View
RISE109 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Poland 1959 BCE Wojkowice, Poland View
RISE154 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Poland 1930 BCE Szczepankowice, Poland View
RISE431 Corded Ware to Proto-Unetice Culture, Poland 2286 BCE Leki Male, Poland View
RISE145 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Poland 2191 BCE Polwica, Poland View
RISE139 Early Bronze Age Unetice Culture, Poland 2137 BCE Chociwel, Poland View
RISE1 Corded Ware Culture, Poland 2866 BCE Oblaczkowo, Poland View
RISE595 Late Bronze Age Montenegro 1200 BCE Velika Gruda, Montenegro View
I13170 Montenegrin Iron Age 800 BCE Velika Gruda, Montenegro View
RISE391 Middle to Late Bronze Age Sintashta Culture, Kazakhstan 2126 BCE Tanabergen II, Kazakhstan View
RISE598 Late Bronze Age Lithuania 906 BCE Turlojiske, Lithuania View
I4139 Early Bronze Age Staro-Unetice Culture, Czech Republic 2500 BCE Velké Přílepy, Czech Republic View
I4145 Bell Beaker Culture, Czech Republic 2282 BCE Knezeves, Czech Republic View
RISE489 Chalcolithic Remedello Culture, Northern Italy 2909 BCE Lombardy. Remedello di Sotto, Italy View
RISE487 Chalcolithic Remedello Culture, Northern Italy 3485 BCE Lombardy. Remedello di Sotto, Italy View
RISE486 Early Bronze Age Remedello Culture, Northern Italy 2136 BCE Lombardy. Remedello di Sotto, Italy View
RISE479 Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture, Hungary 2000 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE373 Early Bronze Age Maros Culture, Hungary 1887 BCE Szöreg-C (Sziv Utca), Hungary View
RISE247 Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture, Hungary 1743 BCE Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary View
RISE484 Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture, Hungary 2000 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE480 Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture, Hungary 1700 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE374 Early Bronze Age Maros Culture, Hungary 1872 BCE Szöreg-C (Sziv Utca), Hungary View
RISE483 Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture, Hungary 2000 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE349 Early Bronze Age Maros Culture, Hungary 2034 BCE Battonya Vörös Oktober, Hungary View
RISE371 Early Bronze Age Maros Culture, Hungary 2137 BCE Szöreg-C (Sziv Utca), Hungary View
RISE254 Middle Bronze Age Vatya Culture, Hungary 2130 BCE Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary View
I4144 Bell Beaker Culture, Germany 2573 BCE Osterhofen-Altenmarkt, Germany View
RISE446 Corded Ware Culture, Germany 2662 BCE Bergrheinfeld, Germany View
RISE471 Bronze Age Germany 1687 BCE Untermeitingen, Germany View
RISE434 Corded Ware Culture, Germany 2880 BCE Tiefbrunn, Germany View
RISE436 Corded Ware Culture, Germany 2869 BCE Tiefbrunn, Germany View
RISE435 Corded Ware Culture, Germany 2865 BCE Tiefbrunn, Germany View
RISE61 Middle Neolithic B Denmark 2848 BCE Kyndelöse, Denmark View
RISE71 Late Neolithic Denmark 2197 BCE Falshöj, Denmark View
RISE47 Bronze Age Denmark 1499 BCE Sebber skole, Denmark View
RISE276 Late Bronze Age Denmark 789 BCE Trundholm II, Denmark View
RISE21 Bronze Age Denmark 1426 BCE Karlstrup, Denmark View
RISE42 Late Neolithic Denmark 2193 BCE Marbjerg, Denmark View
I4137 Early Slavic Period, Czech Republic 660 CE Brandysek, Czech Republic View
I5026 Early Slavic Period, Czech Republic 600 CE Brandysek, Czech Republic View
I3423 393 BCE Sabinka 2, Russia View
I3425 1417 BCE Sabinka 2, Russia View
I10565 2889 BCE Bateni, Russia View
I4124 2459 BCE Augsburg, Germany View
I4132 2500 BCE Augsburg, Germany View
I4143 2456 BCE Landau an der Isar, Germany View
I4144 2573 BCE Osterhofen-Altenmarkt, Germany View
I4134 2500 BCE Osterhofen-Altenmarkt, Germany View
I4145 2282 BCE Knezeves, Czech Republic View
I4136 2800 BCE Knezeves, Czech Republic View
I5026 600 CE Brandysek, Czech Republic View
I4137 660 CE Brandysek, Czech Republic View
I4139 2500 BCE Velké Přílepy, Czech Republic View
I4130 2800 BCE Moravská Nová Ves, Czech Republic View
I13170 800 BCE Velika Gruda, Montenegro View
I10565 2889 BCE Bateni, Russia View
I4130 2800 BCE Moravská Nová Ves, Czech Republic View
I4136 2800 BCE Knezeves, Czech Republic View
I4124 2459 BCE Augsburg, Germany View
I4134 2500 BCE Osterhofen-Altenmarkt, Germany View
I4143 2456 BCE Landau an der Isar, Germany View
I4132 2500 BCE Augsburg, Germany View
RISE507.508.merge 3323 BCE River Kuyum, Russia View
RISE1 2866 BCE Oblaczkowo, Poland View
RISE21 1426 BCE Karlstrup, Denmark View
RISE42 2193 BCE Marbjerg, Denmark View
RISE47 1499 BCE Sebber skole, Denmark View
RISE61 2848 BCE Kyndelöse, Denmark View
RISE71 2197 BCE Falshöj, Denmark View
RISE94 2623 BCE Viby, Sweden View
RISE97 2030 BCE Fredriksberg, Sweden View
RISE98 2278 BCE L Beddinge 56, Sweden View
RISE109 1959 BCE Wojkowice, Poland View
RISE139 2137 BCE Chociwel, Poland View
RISE145 2191 BCE Polwica, Poland View
RISE150 1886 BCE Przeclawice, Poland View
RISE154 1930 BCE Szczepankowice, Poland View
RISE174 433 CE Oxie 7, Sweden View
RISE175 1396 BCE Abekås I, Sweden View
RISE179 2015 BCE Abekås I, Sweden View
RISE207 1495 BCE Ängamöllan, Sweden View
RISE210 1436 BCE Ängamöllan, Sweden View
RISE240 2879 BCE Sukhaya Termista I, Russia View
RISE247 1743 BCE Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary View
RISE254 2130 BCE Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary View
RISE276 789 BCE Trundholm II, Denmark View
RISE349 2034 BCE Battonya Vörös Oktober, Hungary View
RISE371 2137 BCE Szöreg-C (Sziv Utca), Hungary View
RISE373 1887 BCE Szöreg-C (Sziv Utca), Hungary View
RISE374 1872 BCE Szöreg-C (Sziv Utca), Hungary View
RISE386 2335 BCE Bulanovo, Russia View
RISE391 2126 BCE Tanabergen II, Kazakhstan View
RISE392 2131 BCE Stepnoe VII Cemetery, Russia View
RISE394 1953 BCE Bulanovo, Russia View
RISE395 2008 BCE Bol'shekaraganskii, Russia View
RISE396 1196 BCE Kapan, Armenia View
RISE397 1049 BCE Kapan, Armenia View
RISE407 1118 BCE Norabak, Armenia View
RISE408 1212 BCE Norabak, Armenia View
RISE412 1201 BCE Noratus, Armenia View
RISE413 1919 BCE Nerquin Getashen, Armenia View
RISE416 1616 BCE Nerquin Getashen, Armenia View
RISE423 1407 BCE Nerquin Getashen, Armenia View
RISE431 2286 BCE Leki Male, Poland View
RISE434 2880 BCE Tiefbrunn, Germany View
RISE435 2865 BCE Tiefbrunn, Germany View
RISE436 2869 BCE Tiefbrunn, Germany View
RISE446 2662 BCE Bergrheinfeld, Germany View
RISE471 1687 BCE Untermeitingen, Germany View
RISE479 2000 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE480 1700 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE483 2000 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE484 2000 BCE Erd 4, Hungary View
RISE486 2136 BCE Lombardy. Remedello di Sotto, Italy View
RISE487 3485 BCE Lombardy. Remedello di Sotto, Italy View
RISE489 2909 BCE Lombardy. Remedello di Sotto, Italy View
RISE493 1518 BCE Sabinka 2, Russia View
RISE495 1400 BCE Arban 1, Russia View
RISE496 1416 BCE Arban 1, Russia View
RISE497 1400 BCE Arban 1, Russia View
RISE499 1400 BCE Bystrovka, Russia View
RISE500 1700 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE502 1497 BCE Bystrovka, Russia View
RISE503 1731 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE504 709 CE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE505 1862 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE510 2848 BCE Bateni, Russia View
RISE511 2909 BCE Bateni, Russia View
RISE512 1488 BCE Kytmanovo, Russia View
RISE523 1531 BCE Kapova cave, Russia View
RISE524 1300 BCE Kapova cave, Russia View
RISE525 1300 BCE Kapova cave, Russia View
RISE546 3300 BCE Temrta IV, Russia View
RISE547 2886 BCE Temrta IV, Russia View
RISE548 3300 BCE Temrta IV, Russia View
RISE550 3335 BCE Peshany V, Russia View
RISE552 2846 BCE Ulan V, Russia View
RISE553 927 BCE Afontova Gora, Russia View
RISE554 1009 BCE Afontova Gora, Russia View
RISE555 2853 BCE Stalingrad Quarry, Russia View
RISE595 1200 BCE Velika Gruda, Montenegro View
RISE598 906 BCE Turlojiske, Lithuania View
RISE600 1000 BCE Verh-Uimon, Russia View
RISE601 1000 BCE Verh-Uimon, Russia View
RISE602 1000 BCE Sary-Bel, Russia View
RISE492 Karasuk Culture, Russia 393 BCE Sabinka-2 (Republic of Khakassia, Beysky District), Russia View
RISE559 Bell Beaker Culture, Lech Valley, Germany 2459 BCE Augsburg (Bavaria), Germany View
RISE562 Bell Beaker Culture, Germany 2456 BCE Dingolfing-Landau (Bavaria, Landau an der Isar), Germany View
RISE563 Bell Beaker Culture, Germany 2573 BCE Osterhofen-Altenmarkt (Lower Bavaria, Deggendorf, Osterhofen), Germany View
RISE564 Bell Beaker Culture, Germany 2500 BCE Osterhofen-Altenmarkt (Lower Bavaria, Deggendorf, Osterhofen), Germany View
RISE566 Bell Beaker culture 2282 BCE Kněževes (Středočeský kraj, okres Praha-západ), Czechia View
RISE567 Bell Beaker culture 2800 BCE Kněževes (Středočeský kraj, okres Praha-západ), Czechia View
RISE568 Early Slavic Culture of Bohemia 600 CE Brandýsek (Central Bohemian Region, Kladno District), Czechia View
RISE569 Early Slavic Culture of Bohemia 660 CE Brandýsek (Central Bohemian Region, Kladno District), Czechia View
RISE577 Early Bronze Age Únětice Culture 2500 BCE Velké-Přílepy (Středočeský kraj, okres Praha-západ), Czechia View
RISE586 Únětice culture 2800 BCE Moravská-Nová-Ves (South Moravian Region, Břeclav District), Czechia View
RISE596 Montenegrin Iron Age 800 BCE Velika Gruda, Montenegro View
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
RISE577 Early Bronze Age Únětice Culture 2500 BCE Velké-Přílepy (Středočeský kraj, okres Praha-západ), Czechia View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (RISE577) 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 50%
European Hunter-Gatherers 25%
Neolithic Farmers 25%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (RISE577) 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 84%
Northwestern European 68%
English 43.7%
Northwestern European 11.2%
Finnish 7.5%
Scandinavian 5.3%
Southern European 13%
Iberian 5.5%
Balkan 4.5%
Sardinian 3.1%
Eastern European 3%
Eastern European 3.4%
Asia 15%
Northern West Asian 15%
Caucasian 12.2%
Anatolian 2.7%
Central Asian, Northern Indian & Pakistani 0%
Oceania 1%
Melanesian 1%
Papuan 0.5%
Africa 0%
West African 0%
America 0%
America 0%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample RISE577 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

RISE577,0.12896928,0.126381,0.0420754,0.04297176,0.02862708,0.0190663,0.00249142,0.00252184,0.00206492,-0.00241046,-0.00482638,0.00634436,-0.003359,-0.0077875,0.00969526,0.00239354,-0.00291072,-8.422E-05,8.248E-05,-0.00222196,0.00493966,0.00284756,-0.00182242,0.00647924,0.00087921
Analyze it in G25 Studio
Scientific Papers References
Population genomics of Bronze Age Eurasia
Authors:
Allentoft ME, Sikora M, Sjögren KG
Abstract:

The Bronze Age of Eurasia (around 3000-1000 BC) was a period of major cultural changes. However, there is debate about whether these changes resulted from the circulation of ideas or from human migrations, potentially also facilitating the spread of languages and certain phenotypic traits. We investigated this by using new, improved methods to sequence low-coverage genomes from 101 ancient humans from across Eurasia. We show that the Bronze Age was a highly dynamic period involving large-scale population migrations and replacements, responsible for shaping major parts of present-day demographic structure in both Europe and Asia. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesized spread of Indo-European languages during the Early Bronze Age. We also demonstrate that light skin pigmentation in Europeans was already present at high frequency in the Bronze Age, but not lactose tolerance, indicating a more recent onset of positive selection on lactose tolerance than previously thought.

Link:
View Publication
Save 85% coupon: DNADAY85

Valid until April 25 2025