Long-distance kinship in megalithic Europe

Abstract

Across Neolithic Europe, megalithic monuments – including stone circles and gallery graves – were constructed by early farming communities, representing a supra-regional cultural phenomenon1. The collective graves are often viewed as symbols of shared ancestry, social identity and regional connectivity. Palaeogenetic studies of megalithic burial sites have identified patrilineal kinship and locally restricted female mobility (= 8 km)2–5. However, until now, close genetic ties between geographically distant populations have not been described. Here we analyse genome-wide data from 203 individuals associated with five Wartberg and one Western Funnel Beaker communities. Our results reveal long-distance first- and second-degree kinship ties across these megalithic sites, involving both females and males. Remarkably, we identify close relatives — such as a father and son — who were buried more than 200 kilometres apart and belonged to distinct cultures. Additionally, we uncover extended genetic networks that link the six communities. Together, they form a single population with genetic boundaries to other megalithic societies. Our findings suggest that mobility and mating networks spanned hundreds of kilometres, fostering strong intra-group cohesion while maintaining limited external contacts. This indicates that the supra-regional megalithic phenomenon may not reflect deep social integration, but rather a shared cultural expression without strong underlying biological connections.