Ancient DNA study reveals European demographic shifts after Rome

A new study published in Science, conducted by the HistoGenes project, utilizes ancient human DNA analysis and archaeological evidence to clarify the demographic shifts in Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire. By sequencing genomes from over 300 individuals from the Little Hungarian Plain in northwestern Hungary, researchers identified a significant change in ancestry during the sixth century.

During the Roman era, the region's population primarily possessed southern European genetic ancestry, supplemented by diversity from Asia and Africa. Following the collapse of Roman rule, there was a notable increase in northern European genetic ancestry. Researchers suggest this influx likely corresponds to the expansion of the Lombard Kingdom from north of the Danube River into former Roman territories.