Genetic analysis of ancient Scythian DNA has shed new light on the mysterious ‘Golden Man’ and the rise of the Scythian elite class. The Scythians were a nomadic people who roamed the Eurasian Steppe on horseback during the Iron Age, and their elevated status was celebrated in death through rich burials.

The Discovery

By comparing the DNA of dozens of individuals from multiple burial sites, scientists discovered family connections between Scythian elites, even among groups that lived far apart. These ties shaped emerging inequality at this time in the Scythians’ history, and the findings provide the first evidence that Scythian elites were related to each other.

The ‘Golden Man,’ whose Scythian burial mound dates back to around 400 BC to 300 BC, was found to be likely genetically male and belonged to a southern subset of Scythians called the Saka. The discovery of family connections among Scythian elites has significant implications for our understanding of the rise of social stratification in this region during the Iron Age.

Implications

The findings suggest that the Scythian elite class was a genetic subgroup within the population, and their genomes tended to be more homogenous than those of non-elites. This has led researchers to conclude that the Scythian elites played a significant role in maintaining continuity during a time of intense genetic mixture.

The discovery also highlights the importance of lineage-based status in Scythian society, where wealth and social status were passed down across generations. The fact that nearly half of the elite individuals examined were female suggests that women commanded respect in Scythian culture, and may have even held positions of power.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.