Scientists have confirmed a genetic connection between the Huns and the Xiongnu empire through genomic analysis. This study reveals that while some Hunnic elites descended from the Xiongnu, the majority of the population is of European origin. The findings were published in the journal PNAS, shedding light on the origins of the Huns, led by Attila, who emerged in Europe in the late fourth century.
Recent genomic analysis has revealed a genetic connection between the Huns and the earlier Xiongnu empire that battled against Han China. This finding supports long-standing hypotheses regarding the Huns’ origins. The Huns, led by Attila, emerged in Europe during the late fourth century, displacing various Germanic tribes, including the Goths, but their origins remained unclear due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
An international research team has demonstrated through ancient DNA analysis that some members of the Hunnic elite are direct descendants of the Xiongnu rulers. However, the researchers also noted that the majority of the Hunnic population primarily descends from European origins. The study emphasizes the significant shared genetic traits that connect certain elite individuals from the Xiongnu period to those in the Carpathian Basin, elucidating the lineage of some European Huns.
“Our findings suggest that there are long-shared genomic tracts that provide compelling evidence of direct genetic links between the highest Xiongnu elite and individuals from the Carpathian Basin,” stated the research team, as published in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS. They further clarified that there was no significant evidence of a major community of eastern or steppe descent among populations in the Carpathian Basin during the Hunnic and subsequent periods.
The identification of a genetic lineage linking the Huns to the Xiongnu empire has underscored the historical and genetic complexities of these ancient peoples. The research highlights that while a portion of the Hunnic elite may trace their ancestry to the Xiongnu, the majority of the population remains predominantly European. This revelation enhances our understanding of the Huns’ origins and their historical significance in Europe and Asia.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
