Migrazioni, clan, culture: archeologia, genetica e isotopi stabili, Atti del III Incontro per l’Archeologia barbarica (Milano, 18 maggio 2018)

The migrations of the Barbarian groups, their formation and social structure, possession of specific cultural identities and their interactions with local populations are among the most controversial issues in European medieval history. On the lookout for innovative approaches, the third Incontro per l’Archeologia Barbarica featured a conspicuous array of palaeogenetic and isotopic data from Longobard burial grounds in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy. An international research project has obtained the first entire ancient genome sequences of 63 individuals, together with mitochondrial DNA data and stable-isotope information regarding mobility and diet. Other wide-ranging interdisciplinary projects focus on systematic isotopic analyses of entire large graveyards. The scope of the genetic and isotopic investigations available on Barbaricum confirm the methods' potential and show the existence of wide-ranging phenomena. Remarkable results indicate the migratory path of individuals of central-northern European genetic ancestry from Pannonia to Italy, as attributed to the Longobards by written texts. The importance of biological relationships in the social structure of these highly mobile communities, which were composed of two main genetic groups, is made clear: they correspond to specific cultures with different social status and access to resources; marked female mobility is thought to be due to exogamy. These are disruptive new data for reassessing old themes – which become contemporary again thanks to the latest perspectives.