EAA2021: Abstract

The European Iron Age is characterised by the two key archaeological cultures Hallstatt and La Tène in a large region to the north of the Alps, which are broadly associated with ‘Celts’. While this term does not serve as an accurate description or grouping of a homogenous people or ethnic group, it highlights the close connection between a specific archaeological horizon, hypothesised linguistic affiliations (Celtic languages), and historical sources. The pan-European patterns and linguistic evidence for cultural connections during this time are complex and encompass a huge region from the Iberian Peninsula throughout Central Europe and as far east as Anatolia (during the 3rd century BC). However, during the earlier phase of the Iron Age (800 – 450 BC, Hallstatt C and D), a core region in Southwestern Germany and Eastern France, the ‘West-Hallstattkreis’, stands out in its archaeological importance, as highlighted by the emergence of rich and unprecedented ‘princely burials’, typically associated with the early Celts. Up to the present-day, the identity of these buried elites and the political power they represented remain controversial, with suggestions including chieftains, spiritual leaders, or even kings. Here, we describe and analyse the first genome-wide data from Southwest Germany dating to the late Hallstatt period. By reconstructing the genetic profiles of more than 20 individuals from this early Celtic population in Germany, we gain insights into familial relationships, transregional connections, system of rule, and the substantial population movements postdating the Iron Age in the region.

Celts, Hallstatt, Kinship, Population Genetics, ancient DNA, Iron Age

 Abstract (PDF)

Joscha Gretzinger¹

Angela Mötsch¹
Felicitas Schmitt²
Michael Francken²
Hannes Rathmann^3,4
Günther Wieland²
Katerina Harvati^3,4,5
Wolfram Schier⁶
Dirk Krausse^2,7
Johannes Krause & Stephan Schiffels^1,8