The genetic landscape of northeastern Iberian communities from the early to late Iron Age

AI interpretationAI-generated

Iron Age NE Iberia: genetic continuity with rising Mediterranean input.

This study sequenced ancient DNA from 54 newborn burials at three northeastern Iberian sites, spanning 775 BCE to 50 CE. Genome-wide data came from 22 individuals, plus mitochondrial haplogroups for nine more. The results show that local Bronze Age ancestry persisted through the Iron Age, while Mediterranean-related ancestry gradually increased. This structure stayed stable until Roman expansion, when extra genetic inputs made the population more heterogeneous.

• Genetic continuity from Bronze Age local populations through the Iron Age.
• Increasing Mediterranean-related ancestry over time.
• Population structure remained largely stable until Roman expansion, then became more heterogeneous.

Sample interpretation

The site sample includes 35 individuals across three cultures: Ilergetae (18), Ausetani (9), and Cessetani (8), from sites VILA29 (18), CL9 (9), and OLE08 (8). Y-chromosome haplogroups were resolved for 9 males, mostly R1b lineages such as R-L51, R-M269, and R-L761, plus one B-FT176563 and one H-Z19117. Mitochondrial haplogroups include K1a-T195C! (4), T2c1d (2), H3-T152C! (2), H1at1 (2), H, and H1.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this shows that cultural continuity can coexist with gradual genetic change. If you have northeastern Iberian roots, expect a stable local Bronze Age base with increasing Mediterranean admixture, especially after Roman times.