Scandinavia's first farmers slaughtered the hunter-gatherer population

[Judi Lynn]

8-Feb-2024 2:05 PM EST, by Lund University

Newswise — Following the arrival of the first farmers in Scandinavia 5,900 years ago, the hunter-gatherer population was wiped out within a few generations, according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden, among others. The results, which are contrary to prevailing opinion, are based on DNA analysis of skeletons and teeth found in what is now Denmark.

The extensive study has been published as four separate articles in the journal Nature. An international research team, of which Lund University in Sweden is a member, has been able to draw new conclusions about the effects of migration on ancient populations by extracting DNA from skeletal parts and teeth of prehistoric people.

The study shows, among other things, that there have been two almost total population turnovers in Denmark over the past 7,300 years. The first population change happened 5,900 years ago when a farmer population, with a different origin and appearance, drove out the gatherers, hunters and fishers who had previously populated Scandinavia. Within a few generations, almost the entire hunter-gatherer population was wiped out.

“This transition has previously been presented as peaceful. However, our study indicates the opposite. In addition to violent death, it is likely that new pathogens from livestock finished off many gatherers,” says Anne Birgitte Nielsen, geology researcher and head of the Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory at Lund University.

More:
https://www.newswise.com/articles/scandinavia-s-first-farmers-slaughtered-the-hunter-gatherer-population

[GreenWave]

1. So which ones gave rise to the Bog people? (asking anybody)

[Judi Lynn]

3. I'd like to know, too!

Incidentally, very recently I saw an article which indicated there were also bog people who've been discovered in Ireland, too!

Who could guess what the hey will be discovered as the tundra starts giving up its secrets, sadly!

On edit, adding article:

By:
Mark Milligan
Date:

January 30, 2024

Archaeologists find 2,000-year-old bog body

Archaeologists from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have uncovered a 2,000 to 2,500-year-old bog body in Northern Ireland.
Authorities were alerted to human remains on the surface of peatland in Bellaghy, resulting in the Archaeological Unit within the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Body Recovery Team being dispatched to conduct a forensic examination.

Detective Inspector Nikki Deehan said: “On initial examination, we couldn’t be sure if the remains were ancient or the result of a more recent death. Therefore, we proceeded to excavate the body with full forensic considerations in a sensitive and professional manner. This approach also ensures that any DNA evidence could be secured for any potential criminal investigation.”

A certified forensic anthropologist conducted a post-mortem examination, revealing that the individual was likely a male aged between 13 and 17 years old at the time of death. Although the cause of death remains unclear, the individual’s remains are remarkably well-preserved, with partial skin, fingernails of the left hand, toenails, and possibly a kidney still intact.

Radiocarbon dating conducted at the 14Chrono Centre, part of Queen’s University Belfast, has placed the year of death to around 500 BC during the early Iron Age.

More:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2024/01/archaeologists-find-2000-year-old-bog-body/150396

[Judi Lynn]

2. Scandinavia's first farmers slaughtered the hunter-gatherer population, study finds

Date:
February 8, 2024
Source:
Lund University


Following the arrival of the first farmers in Scandinavia 5,900 years ago, the hunter-gatherer population was wiped out within a few generations, according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden, among others. The results, which are contrary to prevailing opinion, are based on DNA analysis of skeletons and teeth found in what is now Denmark.

The extensive study has been published as four separate articles in the journal Nature. An international research team, of which Lund University in Sweden is a member, has been able to draw new conclusions about the effects of migration on ancient populations by extracting DNA from skeletal parts and teeth of prehistoric people.

The study shows, among other things, that there have been two almost total population turnovers in Denmark over the past 7,300 years.

The first population change happened 5,900 years ago when a farmer population, with a different origin and appearance, drove out the gatherers, hunters and fishers who had previously populated Scandinavia.

Within a few generations, almost the entire hunter-gatherer population was wiped out.

"This transition has previously been presented as peaceful. However, our study indicates the opposite. In addition to violent death, it is likely that new pathogens from livestock finished off many gatherers," says Anne Birgitte Nielsen, geology researcher and head of the Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory at Lund University.

More:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240208121958.htm

[70sEraVet]

4. I wonder if the new-comers gave diseased blankets to the natives.....

just as more recent invaders did, on another continent?

[Judi Lynn]

5. It was heart-breaking and horrifying to have heard that information the first time.

Look how far we've come since then!