An international research team has unraveled the mysteries surrounding the arrival of the Battle Axe Culture in Scandinavia, combining archaeological finds, genetic data, and stable isotope analysis. Their findings, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, shed light on the demographic processes that unfolded during this pivotal period.
The Battle Axe Culture, identified by its namesake weapon in burials, emerged in Scandinavia roughly 5,000 years ago. Its resemblance to the Corded Ware Culture of continental Europe sparked debate among archaeologists about its origin.
“We’ve long debated whether the Battle Axe Culture was a regional development or stemmed from migrating populations,” explains osteoarchaeologist Jan Storå of Stockholm University.
The key to unlocking this puzzle lay in the genomes of ancient individuals. By analyzing the DNA of prehistoric people from Sweden, Estonia, and Poland, the researchers discovered a shared genetic ancestry between the Battle Axe Culture and the Corded Ware Culture. This ancestry was entirely absent in the region before 5,000 years ago.
“This strongly suggests the introduction of the Battle Axe Culture was linked to population movements,” says Torsten Günther, a population geneticist at Uppsala University. “These groups likely originated from the Pontic Steppe north of the Black Sea.”
This study aligns with previous findings by the same team, demonstrating that past cultural shifts, like the arrival of farming practices, were also tied to human migrations. “These archaeogenomic analyses continue to reveal surprising new information about Stone Age population movements,” remarks Günther.
Jan Storå adds another layer of complexity: “While these movements played a crucial role in spreading innovations, there was also some integration with existing elements. We see evidence of Battle Axe Culture people reusing megalithic tombs constructed by earlier inhabitants.”
Further insights emerged from comparing the Battle Axe herders with other Scandinavian groups of the time. “Interestingly, these herders differed genetically from both contemporary farmers and hunter-gatherers,” highlights Mattias Jakobsson, another population geneticist at Uppsala University. “For centuries, these three distinct groups coexisted with minimal genetic mixing.”
The team did find traces of low-level genetic interaction between the Battle Axe herders and other farming cultures, but the timing remains unclear. “Whether this intermixing happened before or after their arrival in Scandinavia is an open question,” concludes Helena Malmström, lead author of the study. “Future analyses of more individuals and broader geographical regions will provide a clearer picture.”
The iconic Bergsgraven burial site, along with a reconstruction of the individuals buried there, is usually on display at the Östergötlands Museum in Linköping, Sweden. Per Nilsson, an archaeologist at the museum, assures that the exhibit will be incorporated into the upcoming renovation: “The Bergsgraven display is currently unavailable due to renovations, but it will be a centerpiece of the new exhibition. We aim to integrate the latest archaeological and historical research, including these new findings, to offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating period.”
Source: Uppsala University