Ancient DNA sheds light on the genetic origins of early Iron Age Philistines
Feldman M, Master DM, Bianco RA et al.
Publication Details
Comprehensive information about this research publication
Abstract
Summary of the research findings
The ancient Mediterranean port city of Ashkelon, identified as "Philistine" during the Iron Age, underwent a marked cultural change between the Late Bronze and the early Iron Age. It has been long debated whether this change was driven by a substantial movement of people, possibly linked to a larger migration of the so-called "Sea Peoples." Here, we report genome-wide data of 10 Bronze and Iron Age individuals from Ashkelon. We find that the early Iron Age population was genetically distinct due to a European-related admixture. This genetic signal is no longer detectible in the later Iron Age population. Our results support that a migration event occurred during the Bronze to Iron Age transition in Ashkelon but did not leave a long-lasting genetic signature.
Ancient DNA Samples
10 ancient DNA samples referenced in this publication
| Sample ID | Date/Era | Country | Locality | Sex | mtDNA | Y-DNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASH066 | 1376 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | M | T2c1c |
J |
| ASH067 | 1383 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | M | H92 |
R1 |
| ASH068 | 1370 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | F | T1a1 |
|
| ASH2-3 | 1381 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | F | |
|
| ASH087 | 1200 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | M | H4a1c |
L |
| ASH135 | 1200 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | F | |
|
| ASH008 | 1259 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | M | H2c |
BT |
| ASH029 | 1614 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | F | H66a |
|
| ASH033 | 1745 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | F | U3a-a* |
|
| ASH034 | 1700 BCE | Israel | Ashkelon | F | U3b1a |
|
Analysis
Comprehensive review of ancestry and genetic findings
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