Long-distance genetic relatedness in megalithic central Europe
Summary
Megalithic monuments in Late Neolithic Europe are often viewed as symbols of shared ancestry. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide data of 203 individuals buried in six megalithic grave complexes associated with the Western Funnel Beaker and Wartberg groups. Despite being considered archaeologically distinct, our results show that the studied individuals from both groups form a genetically homogeneous population. Moreover, we identified first- and second-degree relationships spanning up
Content
# Long-distance genetic relatedness in megalithic central Europe
*Published: 2026 May 21*
Megalithic monuments in Late Neolithic Europe are often viewed as symbols of
shared ancestry. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide data of 203 individuals
buried in six megalithic grave complexes associated with the Western Funnel
Beaker and Wartberg groups. Despite being considered archaeologically distinct,
our results show that the studied individuals from both groups form a
genetically homogeneous population. Moreover, we identified first- and
second-degree relationships spanning up to 225 km, revealing unexpectedly
long-distance ties and sustained intersite and intergroup mobility. The six
grave complexes functioned as communal burial grounds and were not exclusively
used for close genetic relatives, indicating that social kinship played an
important role. Limited evidence for genetic connections to distant European
megalithic populations indicates that monumentality spread culturally rather
than through biological networks.
DOI: 10.1126/science.aeb2926