Analysis of ancient DNA recovered from a burial site close to Paris has uncovered a dramatic prehistoric demographic shift. It appears that one local population disappeared entirely and was subsequently replaced by individuals originating from the south. Genetic evidence indicates no ancestral link between these two distinct groups, pointing to a significant societal upheaval occurring around 3000 BC. While diseases, including early forms of the plague, are suspected to have contributed to this transition, they were likely not the sole drivers. This population replacement also brought about profound societal changes, marking the end of communal burials for close-knit families and coinciding with the decline of Europe’s megalith-building cultures.
Ancient DNA Reveals Lost Population Near Paris Replaced by Outsiders
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people