Genetic Examination of Remains from the Two Largest Mass Burials of 1238 in Yaroslavl Detynets

Abstract

The article presents the results of genetic studies of the remains of people who died and were buried in 1238 on the territory of the citadel in the city of Yaroslavl. The analysis of ancient DNA allows us to directly study the composition of the population of this ancient Russian city along the Volga at the time of the Mongol conquest. By the genetic profile of both Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA, we can say that about 40% of the samples studied do not belong to the dominant haplogroups. The lowest homogeneity in the Y-chromosome is typical for the burial in pit No. 110, which was located near the fortifications. It also contained the remains of two men belonging to the haplogroup R1a (Z93), marking the possible "eastern" origin of their ancestors. In the authors’ opinion, not only ordinary residents of the city and its environs, but also professional defenders, as well as attackers, could get into the burials near the walls of the citadel. Absence of grave goods and in the conditions of a sanitary burial, makes not possible to determine who the men of "eastern" origin were. However, their presence undoubtedly affects the genetic diversity of the city's population.