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Oldest nuclear family was murdered 4,600 years ago |
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By: Agencies |
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Date:
2008-11-19 |
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Place: Berlin |
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Graves of parents, son, daughter found in Germany
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sad: The bones of the family show they were killed in a struggle | The oldest genetically identifiable nuclear family met a violent death, according to analysis of remains from 4,600-year-old burials in Germany.
Writing in the journal PNAS, researchers say the broken bones of these stone age people show they were killed in a struggle.
Comparisons of DNA from one grave confirm it contained a mother, father, and their two children.
The son and daughter were buried in the arms of their parents.
Dr Wolfgang Haak, from The Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, in Adelaide, conducted the DNA analysis. He says the scientific evidence supports the idea that they were indeed a family.
"We're really sure, based on hard biological facts not just supposing or assuming."
In two graves, DNA was well preserved, which allowed comparisons between the occupants. One of these contained the nuclear family, while the other grave contained three related children and an unrelated woman. The researchers suggest she may have been an aunt or stepmother. |
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