Corded Ware cultural complexity uncovered using genomic and isotopic analysis from south-eastern Poland

Anna Linderholm,Piotr Włodarczak,Zdzislaw Belka,Wiesław Koman,Małgorzata Rybicka,Ricardo Rodríguez-Varela,Jolanta Dopieralska,Karolina Werens,Mirosław Mazurek,Anders Götherström,Mikołaj Ostrowski,Jacek Górski,Monika Hozer,Jan Storå,Maja Krzewińska,Anita Szczepanek,Paweł Jarosz,Jolanta Bagińska,Gülşah Merve Kılınç

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63138-w

Abstract

During the Final Eneolithic the Corded Ware Complex (CWC) emerges, chiefly identified by its specific burial rites. This complex spanned most of central Europe and exhibits demographic and cultural associations to the Yamnaya culture. To study the genetic structure and kin relations in CWC communities, we sequenced the genomes of 19 individuals located in the heartland of the CWC complex region, south-eastern Poland. Whole genome sequence and strontium isotope data allowed us to investigate genetic ancestry, admixture, kinship and mobility. The analysis showed a unique pattern, not detected in other parts of Poland; maternally the individuals are linked to earlier Neolithic lineages, whereas on the paternal side a Steppe ancestry is clearly visible. We identified three cases of kinship. Of these two were between individuals buried in double graves. Interestingly, we identified kinship between a local and a non-local individual thus discovering a novel, previously unknown burial custom.

Highlights

During the Final Eneolithic the Corded Ware Complex (CWC) emerges, identified by its specific burial rites
Around 5400 BCE farming was introduced in central Poland which coincided with the appearance of the Linear Pottery culture (LBK) complex marking the transition to the Early Neolithic period
The Y chromosome haplogroup lineage R1b-M269 or R-L11 are characteristic of Yamnaya and Bell Beaker individuals[5,10] and they were widespread throughout Eurasia in the Bronze Age and thereafter[38]

Summary

Introduction

During the Final Eneolithic the Corded Ware Complex (CWC) emerges, identified by its specific burial rites This complex spanned most of central Europe and exhibits demographic and cultural associations to the Yamnaya culture. The genetic ancestry, affinity and admixture processes between human groups have been traced by analyses of individuals from different time periods and geographical contexts which contextually are associated to cultural complexes with differing lifeways, burial customs and material culture expressions. Contemporaneous individuals analysed from this region (i.e. central Europe) have shown a varying degree of Steppe ancestry[1,10] This component has not been demonstrated among individuals associated with the Globular Amphora culture[11,13,14]. The GAC was a rather short-lived phenomenon and after 2800 BCE the Corded Ware Complex (CWC) manifestations became dominant, and continued for another 500 years before that complex disappears[11,20]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion