Ancient DNA Study Reveals Unexpected Family Ties in Medieval Scandinavian Graves

A recent study conducted by researchers at Stockholm University found that ancient DNA analysis challenges long-held assumptions about family relationships in medieval Scandinavian graves. Published on July 10, 2026, in Science Advances, the research examined DNA from 142 individuals from the late Viking Age and Middle Ages at various sites, including Sigtuna and Västerhus.

New Insights into Medieval Burial Practices

The study analyzed the remains of more than 60 children and adolescents buried in multiple graves. Contrary to common assumptions that adults and children interred together were close relatives, the findings revealed that such biological connections were surprisingly rare. Lead author Maja Krzewińska stated, "We often assume that adults and children sharing a grave were parents and children or other close family members. In most cases, that was not what we found."

Researchers noted that other factors, such as community ties or social status, likely influenced burial practices. This challenges traditional views on kinship in early Christian Scandinavian society.

Children's Role in Early Christian Scandinavia

The study also highlighted the treatment of children in burial practices. By analyzing ancient DNA, researchers could determine the biological sex of young individuals who were previously unidentifiable. It was observed that boys and girls were often buried following the same cemetery rules as adults, suggesting early recognition of gender identity.

“The children were not treated as a separate category. In death, they appear to have been treated according to the same social and religious principles as adult men and women,” said Anders Götherström, a professor at the university.

Lady 56: A Unique Case of Pilgrimage

One remarkable finding from the study involved a woman referred to as Lady 56, who was linked through DNA to several relatives buried in the same cemetery. Notably, she was buried with a scallop shell, a symbol of pilgrimage. This suggests that she may have completed a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, traveling thousands of kilometers across Europe.

Lady 56 died before the age of 30, and her family members were also found buried in different parts of the cemetery. The study emphasizes how archaeogenetics can enhance our understanding of medieval societal structures and relationships.

As the research continues, it sheds light on how ancient DNA can transform our understanding of historical communities, their social dynamics, and burial practices.