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Portrait reconstruction of VK201
Ancient Individual

A man buried in United Kingdom in the era

VK201
404 CE - 596 CE
Male
Unknown Period
United Kingdom
Scroll to begin
Chapter I

Identity

The biological and cultural markers that define this ancient individual

Sample ID

VK201

Date Range

404 CE - 596 CE

Biological Sex

Male

mtDNA Haplogroup

H3k1a

Y-DNA Haplogroup

I-B293

Cultural Period

Unknown

Chapter II

Place

Where this individual was discovered

Country United Kingdom
Locality Scotland. Orkney. Buckquoy Birsay
Chapter III

Time

When this individual lived in the broader context of human history

VK201 404 CE - 596 CE
Chapter IV

Story

The narrative of this ancient life

The Pictish people were a group of tribal societies that inhabited what is now modern-day Scotland during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval periods, from around the 3rd to 9th centuries AD. The Picts were known for their distinctive symbol stones and intricate artwork, which are some of the only written records of their civilization that still exist today.

The Pictish people were renowned for their skills in metalworking, particularly in creating intricate jewelry and ornamental items. They were also skilled in agriculture, hunting, and fishing, which were essential for their survival in the rugged Scottish landscape.

The Pictish culture was a blend of Celtic, Norse, and indigenous influences, resulting in a unique society with its own language, customs, and religious beliefs. They practiced a polytheistic religion that was centered around nature and the elements, with a particular reverence for sacred sites and natural landmarks.

The geographical location of the Pictish people played a crucial role in shaping their culture and way of life. The rugged terrain of Scotland provided natural defenses against outside invaders, and the abundance of natural resources allowed the Picts to thrive. The Picts lived in small villages and fortified hilltop settlements, where they engaged in trade, warfare, and social gatherings.

The Pictish era was a time of great political upheaval and conflict, as various tribes vied for power and control over the region. The Picts fought numerous battles against invading tribes and armies, including the Romans and later the Angles and Vikings.

Overall, the Pictish people were a fascinating and enigmatic culture that left a lasting impact on the history of Scotland. Their legacy can be seen in the numerous Pictish symbol stones that still dot the landscape, as well as in the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore and mythology. The Picts were a proud and resilient people who managed to thrive in a harsh and unforgiving land, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and intrigue historians and archaeologists to this day.

Chapter V

Context

Other ancient individuals connected to this sample

Sources

References

Scientific publications and genetic data

Scientific Publication

Population genomics of the Viking world

Authors Margaryan A, Lawson DJ, Sikora M
Abstract

The maritime expansion of Scandinavian populations during the Viking Age (about AD 750-1050) was a far-flung transformation in world history1,2. Here we sequenced the genomes of 442 humans from archaeological sites across Europe and Greenland (to a median depth of about 1×) to understand the global influence of this expansion. We find the Viking period involved gene flow into Scandinavia from the south and east. We observe genetic structure within Scandinavia, with diversity hotspots in the south and restricted gene flow within Scandinavia. We find evidence for a major influx of Danish ancestry into England; a Swedish influx into the Baltic; and Norwegian influx into Ireland, Iceland and Greenland. Additionally, we see substantial ancestry from elsewhere in Europe entering Scandinavia during the Viking Age. Our ancient DNA analysis also revealed that a Viking expedition included close family members. By comparing with modern populations, we find that pigmentation-associated loci have undergone strong population differentiation during the past millennium, and trace positively selected loci-including the lactase-persistence allele of LCT and alleles of ANKA that are associated with the immune response-in detail. We conclude that the Viking diaspora was characterized by substantial transregional engagement: distinct populations influenced the genomic makeup of different regions of Europe, and Scandinavia experienced increased contact with the rest of the continent.

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