Urbanization and genetic homogenization in the medieval Low Countries revealed through a ten-century paleogenomic study of the city of Sint-Truiden
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Medieval European population genetic history reveals a protracted homogenization process in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Genetic diversity decreased over centuries due to reduced migration and local admixture, shaping present-day regional genetic clines.
Area Of Science
- Paleogenomics
- Population Genetics
- Medieval History
Background
- Understanding population structure in highly urbanized Northern Europe remains limited.
- Gaps exist in knowledge regarding the emergence of regional differences and the impact of urbanization, migration, and pandemics.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the population dynamics and genetic history of Sint-Truiden, Belgium, from the 8th to 18th centuries.
- To assess the impact of migration, admixture, and pandemics on genetic diversity and relatedness over time.
Main Methods
- Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of 338 ancient individuals.
- Analysis of genetic relatedness and ancestry.
- Detection of pathogen DNA (Yersinia pestis).
Main Results
- Early medieval Sint-Truiden population was more heterogeneous with migrants from Scotland/Ireland.
- Reduced genetic relatedness observed compared to present-day Flanders.
- No major population-scale impact of the second plague pandemic on genetic diversity or immunity genes detected.
- Differences in gene variants for vitamin D levels noted between Gaulish and Germanic ancestries.
Conclusions
- The genetic homogenization of the Sint-Truiden population occurred over centuries.
- Reduced long-distance migration and local admixture of Germanic and Gaulish ancestries led to increased similarity with present-day Limburg province.
- This process contributed to the genetic cline observed today in the Low Countries.
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