Research analyzing ancient DNA taken from the graves of the Avar people has revealed insights into their origins, as well as their sexual and marital patterns within this powerful empire.
The Avars were a mysterious nomadic people who dominated Central and Eastern Europe for 250 years, beginning in the mid-6th century. They were known for their fierce horse-riding warriors and once instilled fear in the Byzantine Empire. However, due to a lack of written records, the history and culture of the Avars remain largely enigmatic.
Recently, scientists have utilized ancient DNA to uncover many secrets about the Avars, including their origins, family structures, social lives, and interactions with local populations.
Excavation of an Avar cemetery in Rákóczifalva, Hungary, conducted in 2006. (Photo: Institute of Archaeological Science/Eötvös Loránd University Museum).
A 2022 study analyzing DNA from the graves of Avar elites indicated that they originated from the Mongolian steppes, migrating to Europe after being defeated by the Turks in 550.
By analyzing DNA from 424 individuals buried in four cemeteries in Hungary, researchers were able to construct detailed genealogies, with the largest lineage spanning nine generations over two and a half centuries. The team discovered that around 300 individuals were closely related and buried in the same cemetery.
The analysis revealed that the Avars had a patriarchal family system, where children belonged to the father’s family and lineage was passed from father to son.
Interestingly, Avar women often married men from other communities, while men remained in their communities after marriage. This suggests that women played a crucial role in connecting Avar communities.
The study also indicated that both men and women in Avar society having children with multiple partners was relatively common. This could be attributed to polygamy (one man having multiple wives) or serial monogamy (marrying multiple times, each time to one wife).
Additionally, there were many instances of men who were closely related having children with the same woman, indicating that they might have accepted inbreeding to a certain extent.
The DNA research could not fully illuminate the gender roles in Avar society. Men’s graves typically contained valuable burial goods such as horses, saddles, and bridles, but archaeologists believe that women played an essential role in maintaining social cohesion and cultural dissemination.
To date, around 100,000 Avar graves have been excavated, representing a significant part of Europe’s archaeological heritage.
The Avars left a substantial legacy for Europe. They are believed to have brought the stirrup to Europe—a transformative technology that made mounted warfare feasible and was subsequently widely adopted across the continent.
