German researchers have identified a probable cradle of the Slavic peoples following an extensive genetic study.
The origins and migration patterns of Slavic communities across Eastern Europe have long been debated by historians, anthropologists and linguists. Now, fresh genetic evidence offers new clarity.
“Our analysis provides the first tangible clues suggesting that the ancestral homeland of the Slavic community lies somewhere between the Dniester and the Don rivers,” a researcher from the institute stated.
The team analysed 550 genomes from ancient populations across Eastern Europe. The findings indicate that during the 6th to 8th centuries, Slavs expanded into eastern and southern Europe, replacing nearly 80% of the local genetic makeup.
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