Genomes from a medieval mass burial show Ashkenazi-associated hereditary diseases pre-date the 12th century

AI interpretationAI-generated

Medieval Norwich genomes link Ashkenazi ancestry and disease alleles to the 12th century.

Researchers sequenced six individuals from a medieval well in Norwich, UK, dated to an 1190 CE antisemitic massacre. Four were close relatives, and all six showed strong genetic ties to modern Ashkenazi Jews. They carried four alleles linked to Ashkenazi genetic diseases and varied pigmentation traits, including red hair. Simulations suggest these disease alleles were already common centuries earlier than previously thought.

• All six Norwich individuals have strong genetic affinities with modern Ashkenazi Jews.
• Four alleles associated with Ashkenazi genetic diseases were identified in these medieval genomes.
• Simulations show Ashkenazi-associated disease alleles were already at appreciable frequencies before the 12th century.

Sample interpretation

The site yielded four samples with three resolved Y-chromosome lineages: J-Y6384, E-FT2108, and T-Y100776. Mitochondrial lineages include J1c5c1, H3w1, U6a1b1b, and H5c2. These diverse paternal and maternal lines fit within broader Ashkenazi genetic variation, supporting a community with roots in the Near East and Europe.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study shows Ashkenazi genetic disease variants predate the 12th century, so they are not simply later founder effects. It also ties ancient DNA to a documented medieval antisemitic crime, adding historical context to Ashkenazi population history.