Genome-wide autosomal, mtDNA, and Y chromosome analysis of King Bela III of the Hungarian Arpad dynasty

PRJEB51515 Original Paper / DOI2021-09-284 samples (study)

AI interpretationAI-generated

King Bela III: Central Asian paternal line, European maternal and autosomal roots.

This study analyzed the genome of King Bela III of the Hungarian Arpad dynasty. His Y-chromosome belongs to haplogroup R1a-Z2123, which is most common in Central Asia today, suggesting a Central Asian origin for the ruling lineage. However, his autosomal DNA falls within the variation of present-day East European populations, and his mtDNA belongs to haplogroup H, the most common European maternal lineage. The combination of Central Asian paternal ancestry with European maternal and autosomal ancestry likely resulted from intermarriage with local European ruling families.

Y-chromosome haplogroup R1a-Z2123 indicates a Central Asian origin for the Arpad dynasty's paternal line.
Autosomal DNA profile of Bela III is typical of present-day East European populations.
Mitochondrial DNA belongs to haplogroup H, the most common European maternal lineage, with no exact haplotype match found.

Sample interpretation

No ancient DNA samples from the site were provided in the dataset. The analysis is based solely on the genome of King Bela III, a prominent member of the early Hungarian dynasty. This single high-profile sample offers a direct genetic window into the ruling elite of the Hungarian Kingdom, but broader population-level conclusions await further sampling.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study shows that elite individuals can have mixed genetic origins: a Central Asian paternal line combined with European maternal and autosomal ancestry. It highlights the importance of considering all genetic systems when tracing origins.

Abstract

The ancient Hungarians, “Madzsars”, established their control of the Carpathian Basin in the late ninth century and founded the Hungarian Kingdom around 1000AD. The origin of the Magyars as a tribal federation has been much debated in the past. From the time of the conquest to the early fourteenth century they were ruled by descendants of the Arpad family. In order to learn more about the genetic origin of this family, we here analyzed the genome of Bela III one of the most prominent members of the early Hungarian dynasty that ruled the Hungarian Kingdom from 1172 to 1196. The Y-Chromosome of Bela III belongs to haplogroup R1a-Z2123 that is today found in highest frequency in Central Asia, supporting a Central Asian origin for the ruling lineage of the Hungarian kingdom. The autosomal DNA profile of Bela III, however, falls within the genetic variation of present-day east European populations. This is further supported through his mtDNA genome that belongs to haplogroup H, the most common European maternal lineage, but also found in Central Asia. However, we didn’t find an exact haplotype match for Bela III. The typical autosomal and maternal Central Eastern European ancestry among Bela III autosomes might be best explained by consecutive intermarriage with local European ruling families.

Samples & Data on TheYtree

1samples on site

1Y haplogroup resolved

Paternal (Y-DNA) Haplogroups

Haplogroup	Samples
R-FT274262	1

Sample Highlights More samples →

Sample	Y-DNA	mtDNA	Culture / Period
Laszlo_SZTL	R-FT274262	—	匈人 Hun