DNA analysis reveals population replacement at French site 5,000 years ago

A megalithic tomb located 50 kilometers north of Paris held the remains of 132 individuals buried in two distinct periods. Ancient DNA analysis identified two genetically unrelated groups that occupied the site at different times, separated by a significant demographic collapse around 3000 before Cristo. The first group had a genetic profile similar to that of farmers from Idade, Pedra from the north of França and Alemanha, while the second showed clear genetic links with populations from the south of França and Península Ibérica. The lack of genetic continuity between the two periods indicates a complete replacement of the local population after a severe crisis.

Dois periods of occupation separated by demographic crisis

The archaeological site near Bury was used in two well-defined stages. Entre they saw a sharp drop in the number of inhabitants in the region. The researchers extracted DNA from the bones and compared the genetic profiles of the two burial phases, allowing them to capture preserved genetic material and identify ancient pathogens present in the remains.

The data revealed high mortality, especially among children and young people, in the initial period. Esse demographic pattern suggests a deep crisis situation. The previous population lived in extensive family groups, with burials that brought together several generations of the same lineage, reflecting a social structure based on broad kinship.

Patógenos and environmental factors in population collapse

Scientists found traces of the bacteria Yersinia pestis, responsible for plague, and Borrelia recurrentis, linked to lice-borne relapsing fever. The presence of these organisms confirms that infectious diseases were circulating among the population. However, researchers say that the plague alone does not explain the observed demographic collapse.

• Initial DNA similar to northern farmers of França and Alemanha
• Posterior DNA with strong links to southern França and Península Ibérica
• Ausência of genetic continuity between the two periods
• high Mortalidade, especially among children and young people
• Presença of pathogens such as plague bacteria and agent of relapsing fever

Outros elements, such as environmental stress and disruptive events, likely contributed to the population reduction. The combination of these factors generated the crisis that opened space for the arrival of new migratory groups. The analysis of skeletons reinforced the picture of high mortality in the period before population replacement.

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Transformação social after the Neolithic decline

Antes of the crisis, burials brought together members of extended families in collective structures. Depois, the pattern has become more selective and focused on a specific male lineage. Essa difference reflects a profound reorganization of local society. The end of megalithic tomb use also coincides with the disappearance of stone monument builders in various parts of Europa, marking the end of a cultural era.

Broader Contexto of European Neolithic decline

The case in the Paris region adds to similar evidence recorded in other points in the north and west of Europa. The population decline occurred at a time of profound cultural transition. Previous Pesquisas had already pointed to the presence of plague among farmers in Idade and Pedra, and the new work confirms the circulation of the pathogen, reinforcing that multiple factors acted together in the demographic collapse.

The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, was led by researchers from Universidade and Copenhagen in partnership with French institutions. The results expand the understanding of the Neolithic decline that marked the end of the period of megalith construction at Europa. The migration of groups from the south helped to repopulate areas affected by the crisis, establishing new communities with social structures distinct from previous populations.