Reference library / Sample profile

A woman buried in Turkey in the era

Explore the recorded context, genetic comparisons and research behind this reference sample.

TurkeyCopper Age Anatolia

A reference profile describes this sample. It does not establish a personal or family relationship.

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AI-generated artistic reconstruction, not a photograph of the individual.

Record

Sample details

Recorded details and available lineage markers.

Individual

Anatolia Ca individual, Turkey

Sample ID: I1584

Date Range

3946 BCE - 3660 BCE

Cultural Period

Copper Age Anatolia

Biological Sex

Female

mtDNA Haplogroup

K1a17

Y-DNA Haplogroup

Not available

Social Role

Pastoralist (AI estimate, era-typical)

Geography

Location

Where this individual was discovered

Country Turkey

Locality Northwest Anatolia. Marmara. Barcın

Coordinates 40.3000, 29.5600

Chronology

Date range

When this individual lived in the broader context of human history

Anatolia Ca individual, Turkey 3946 BCE - 3660 BCE

Context

Historical context

Background information associated with the reference record.

Overview

The Copper Age in Anatolia (Chalcolithic/Copper Age) represents a period of growing social and economic complexity, characterized by increasing craft specialization and the use of copper. Communities relied on agriculture and herding, while material culture demonstrates experimentation and regional variation in technologies and styles.

Region & Environment

Anatolia’s agricultural potential was concentrated in river valleys and fertile plains, while mountainous terrain encouraged dispersed settlement and distinct local ecologies. Variations in rainfall, elevation, and soil quality influenced crop choices and the seasonal movement of herds.

Historical Context

During the later fourth and early third millennia BCE, Anatolia experienced long-term demographic growth and the formation of increasingly connected networks among farming communities. The spread of copper use was gradual and uneven, reflecting access to metal sources, craft know-how, and exchange relationships.

Populations & Lifeways

Most people lived in farming villages, supported by mixed economies of crop cultivation and animal herding. Household production likely included pottery making and textile-related activities, while some communities participated in specialized work connected to metal and stone tool production.

Archaeology & Material Culture

Key evidence includes village settlements with domestic architecture, storage-related features, and craft debris. Ceramics and stone tools provide strong chronological and cultural indicators, while copper artifacts (and the technologies surrounding them) are central to identifying Copper Age lifeways.

Culture & Society

Copper Age societies were organized around village communities that varied in size and complexity. Social differentiation is suggested by differences in the quantity and quality of grave goods (where cemeteries are known) and by the uneven distribution of metal and prestige items.

Legacy & Transition

The Copper Age helped establish technological and social foundations for the Bronze Age, including stronger craft networks and more standardized production practices. The transition is seen archaeologically through changing settlement organization and shifts in artifact styles and metallurgical practices.

Analysis

Genetic comparisons

These comparisons show genetic similarity, not identity or origin. The populations listed are those whose genomes show statistical alignment to this ancient individual.

Similarity reflects shared history, not shared identity. These are analytical comparisons, not claims about who this person was.

Modern Genetic Admixture

This analysis compares the DNA profile with present-day reference populations, showing statistical similarity to modern reference populations from different regions. The excavation site records where this individual was found, not a fixed modern genetic identity.

Asia 69.3%

Northern West Asian 49.0%

Mesopotamian 43.6%

Anatolian 2.9%

Cypriot 2.5%

Arab, Egyptian & Levantine 20.3%

Levantine 20.3%

Europe 29.6%

Southern European 29.6%

Italian 17.5%

Sardinian 7.3%

Iberian 4.8%

Africa 1.0%

North African 1.0%

Closest Modern Populations

These are the modern populations showing the closest statistical alignment to A woman buried in Turkey in the era, ranked by genetic distance. Lower distance values indicate closer statistical similarity. Cross-region similarity can reflect shared ancestry, population movement, continuity, or later admixture.

Greek Central Anatolia

2.0152

Greek Dodecanese Rhodes

2.7777

Greek Dodecanese

2.9821

Cypriot

3.0019

Greek Kos

3.2055

Syrian Jew

3.4620

Armenian Gesaria

3.4710

Greek Crete Heraklion

3.6348

Greek Crete

3.7690

Romaniote Jew

3.9258