Scientists have learned that the brothers of the dead Avars men “inherited” their wives

2024-04-24 21:32:48

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EVA: Avars practiced levirate with the transfer of wives by inheritance

Paleogeneticists have discovered the first evidence that the ancient Avars, who conquered central Europe in the early Middle Ages, followed an unusual custom called levirate. According to this custom, the widows of deceased men were “inherited” by their brothers or next of kin. These discoveries were made in collaboration with researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology (EVA) in Germany.

Experts have found several examples of the practice of levirate in Avar communities, where the same women gave birth to children from different close men. This indicates that Avar communities carefully preserved the memory of the origins of people and their family ties. Scientists clarified that the absence of blood mixing in the genetics of the ancient Avars confirms the uniqueness of their culture.

The data was obtained as part of a study of the genetic heritage of the Avars, whose history and customs still remain a mystery to many historians. Studying the material heritage of this people with the help of paleogenetics opens new horizons in understanding their origin and way of life.

Analysis of the genomes of 424 Avars buried in Hungary has allowed scientists to reconstruct multiple genealogies stretching back 250 years and spanning eight generations. The results showed that the Avars lived in patriarchal communities where the tradition of patrilocality was observed – sons remained in their parental communities, and daughters went to their husbands. These customs, including the practice of “inheritance” of women, reflect similarities with other ancient nomads and indicate the continuation of cultural traditions even after the Avars migrated to Central Europe.