Lee Sandberg writes about a HistoGenes project study that combined ancient DNA with archaeological evidence to show post-Roman Europe was reshaped by complex, sustained population movements rather than simple conquest. Sequencing genomes from over 300 individuals in the Little Hungarian Plain, the team found that after Roman rule, northern European genetic ancestry rose significantly, reflecting the expansion of the Lombard Kingdom into former Roman territories in the early sixth century. The resulting society was not a replacement but a layered, hierarchical formation produced through interaction between incoming northern European groups and local southern European populations.
- The study was published in *Science* in June 2026, led by Yijie Tian (Stony Brook University) and István Koncz (Eötvös Loránd University)
- Roman-period populations in the region showed genetic diversity from Asia and Africa, reflecting the empire's cosmopolitan character
- Material culture and genetic ancestry do not necessarily coincide, complicating how archaeologists interpret artifact assemblages
- The HistoGenes project is funded by the European Research Council
- The study was published in *Science* in June 2026, led by Yijie Tian (Stony Brook University) and István Koncz (Eötvös Loránd University)
- Roman-period populations in the region showed genetic diversity from Asia and Africa, reflecting the empire's cosmopolitan character
- Material culture and genetic ancestry do not necessarily coincide, complicating how archaeologists interpret artifact assemblages
- The HistoGenes project is funded by the European Research Council
