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Medieval Swedish Graves Reveal Burials Were Not Always Family Affairs, DNA Shows

Ancient DNA from medieval Swedish burials shows that adults and children interred together were often not immediate relatives, suggesting burial choices reflected social bonds and early gender-based customs rather than biological kinship alone.

These medieval graves looked like family burials. DNA told a different story
Medieval Swedish Graves Reveal Burials Were Not Always Family Affairs, DNA Shows
Birka grave Bj 581 · Wikimedia — licence per file · rights
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Ancient DNA from medieval Swedish burials shows that adults and children interred together were often not immediate relatives, suggesting burial choices reflected social bonds and early gender-based customs rather than biological kinship alone.