Paleogenetic study of Early and Middle Neolithic humans from the Paris Basin (France)

AI interpretationAI-generated

Paris Basin Neolithic genomes reveal early farmer Y-lineages and diverse mtDNA.

This study presents ancient DNA from 13 individuals buried at seven archaeological sites in the Paris Basin, France. They date to the Early Neolithic (5100–4800 BCE) and Middle Neolithic (4800–4000 BCE), with the later samples linked to the Cerny culture. The Y-chromosome results are dominated by haplogroup H, especially H-Z19072 and H-Y19962, while mitochondrial DNA shows a mix of lineages such as T2b, K2b1a, U5b1c, HV0a, and X2b4. These genetic patterns help trace how early farming communities in northern France were structured and related to other Neolithic groups.

• Y-chromosome diversity is dominated by haplogroup H, with H-Z19072 and H-Y19962 each found in three males.
• Mitochondrial lineages include T2b, K2b1a, U5b1c, HV0a, T2b3-a, and X2b4, showing maternal diversity.
• The Middle Neolithic samples are associated with the Cerny culture, adding genetic context to this archaeological group.

Sample interpretation

The dataset includes 13 individuals from seven sites: Balloy-les-Réaudins, Gron-les-Sablons, Marolles-sur-Seine, Orville-les-Fiefs, Passy-la-Sablonnière, and Vignely-la-Porte-aux-bergers. Y-chromosome haplogroups were resolved for 11 males. The Y results feature H-Z19072 (3), H-Y19962 (3), H-Z19084 (2), I-BY90070 (1), I-L1286 (1), and H-FTA67514 (1). Mitochondrial DNA was also recovered, with T2b appearing twice and other lineages once each.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study shows that Early and Middle Neolithic Paris Basin males carried mainly H Y-lineages, while maternal lines were varied. It offers a direct genetic window into early farming communities in northern France and their connections to broader Neolithic Europe.