Long before the Vikings, ancient migrations significantly impacted Europe, revealing new insights through recent research.

According to a new study, Scandinavians influenced the genetic landscape of the British Isles centuries before the Viking invasions. Research on ancient DNA, particularly from the remains of a man buried in Roman York, indicates the movement of Germanic, Roman, and Viking groups that shaped the early history of the continent, writes Arkeonews.

The study introduces a new data analysis method called Twigstats, which enhances the accuracy of comparisons among genetically similar groups. This approach has uncovered new details about global migrations that have helped scientists understand the complex patterns that defined early European history.

Researchers analyzed over 1,500 genomes of individuals who lived during the first millennium AD, focusing on historical periods such as the Iron Age, the fall of the Roman Empire, and the Viking Era.

Using Twigstats, the scientists discovered traces of population movements, particularly migrations from Scandinavia to southern Britain, Germany, Italy, and other countries during the early Iron Age.

One of the key findings is the burial of a man with 25% Scandinavian ancestry in Roman York, suggesting that Scandinavians were present in Britain centuries before the Viking Age.

The study also illuminated a second wave of migration from Central Europe to Scandinavia between 300 and 800 AD, which influenced the genetic makeup of the Viking population. Archaeological evidence supports this conclusion, showing that Central European migrants settled and integrated into Scandinavian societies, signaling long-term genetic changes.

The Viking Age (circa 800-1050 AD) marked another significant period of migration and cultural exchange. Genetic links between Scandinavian ancestry and Viking remains found in Britain and Kievan Rus align with historical accounts of raids and military expeditions. Mass graves in Britain contain remains of individuals with direct connections to Scandinavia, demonstrating the scale of these interactions.

The lead author of the study, Leo Speidel, highlighted the potential of Twigstats in identifying migration patterns worldwide.

"This method allows us to trace subtle genetic changes over time, providing a clearer picture of historical movements. It is a tool that can answer questions about migration among various population groups," he explained.

Co-author Peter Heather noted that historical texts indicate the transformative impact of migrations, and Twigstats now offers a means to verify and refine these accounts.

This research reveals the influence of migrations on the formation of Europe’s cultural and genetic heritage, offering a deeper understanding of the continent's history and its interconnected past.

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