Scientists from the Francis Crick Institute, Durham University, and MOLA Headland Infrastructure unveiled the remarkable origins of an individual who lived during the Roman period, shedding light on ancient migrations and societal connections.
The man, referred to as Offord Cluny 203645, was unearthed in 2017 near Offord Cluny village in Cambridgeshire, within the scope of the National Highways A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme. Contrary to initial assumptions, DNA analysis revealed that he hailed from a distant locale, possibly outside the boundaries of the Roman Empire, despite being buried near a rural farmstead.
Through meticulous examination, researchers uncovered a genetic ancestry linked to the Caucasus and the Sarmatian people, nomadic equestrians known for their prowess in modern-day southern Russia and Ukraine. This revelation challenges previous notions of localized origins and illuminates the interconnectedness of ancient societies.
Marina Soares de Silva, a postdoctoral fellow at the Crick’s Ancient Genomics Laboratory, detailed the intricate process of extracting and sequencing ancient DNA from the individual’s inner ear bone. Despite the fragmented nature of the DNA, the analysis unveiled his distinct genetic profile, distinct from other Romano-British individuals, and closely tied to Caucasus and Sarmatian lineages.
Complementing the genetic findings, isotopic analysis of the man’s teeth provided further insights into his upbringing and dietary habits. Janet Montgomery, a Professor at Durham University, revealed a journey that commenced in an arid eastern European environment, marked by a diet rich in non-native C4 crops. As he matured, his dietary patterns shifted, indicating a westward migration.
The timeline of his burial, dated between 126–228 AD, coincides with Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s integration of Sarmatian cavalry into the Roman legions following the defeat of a Sarmatian army. This historical context suggests a plausible scenario for the individual’s relocation to Britain, potentially as part of the Sarmatian cavalry deployment. However, the absence of artifacts linking him to military service leaves room for speculation.
Alex Smith, from MOLA Headland Infrastructure, emphasized the possibility of familial migration within the Sarmatian cavalry contingent, underscoring the interconnectedness of ancient communities across the Roman Empire. The absence of direct evidence complicates efforts to ascertain the individual’s role within the military hierarchy.
Tom Booth, Senior Laboratory Research Scientist at the Crick, emphasized the broader implications of this discovery, highlighting the far-reaching influence of Roman connectivity even in rural locales. The young man’s burial serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate web of human movement and interaction that characterized the Roman era.
In unraveling the enigma surrounding Offord Cluny 203645, scientists have unveiled a captivating narrative of ancient migrations and cultural exchanges, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire’s expansive reach.
Source: The Francis Crick Institute