[Misc] Archaeological DNA matches

[albionalba]

I noticed a newish feature on my 23andme account recently where archaeological DNA from specific individuals from digs etc has been added to comparisons showing (in my case) small percentage matches with various Vikings (including an unusual burial in Estonia that had been in a tv documentary), some Dark Ages folk and most recently a few Roman individuals. These are individual, single digit % matches, not the DNA general history / origins that Ancestry and 23andme has had for some time - and there has been the King Richard stuff also. Absolutely fascinating. But totally boring to anyone else probably!

I've seen a few posts about ancestry stuff on NSC in the past so just wondered if anyone else on 23andme had seen the new feature and if so what it has revealed for them in terms of specific archaeological ancestors? I've also noticed that there are other websites now that just specialise in matching you to samples from ancient remains.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Yes, no, maybe
I don't know
Can you repeat the question?

 

[Happy Exile]

No, but I absolutely love the idea of it. Going to have to get my DNA done now!

 

[Sussax]

You're just wanting some reparations aren't you!

 

[aftershavedave]

I have done a DNA test on ancestry.com and it is fascinating. I thought though that ancestry only go back a few generations because before that the results are statistically insignificant? Hope I misread!

 

[papachris]

I noticed a newish feature on my 23andme account recently where archaeological DNA from specific individuals from digs etc has been added to comparisons showing (in my case) small percentage matches with various Vikings (including an unusual burial in Estonia that had been in a tv documentary), some Dark Ages folk and most recently a few Roman individuals. These are individual, single digit % matches, not the DNA general history / origins that Ancestry and 23andme has had for some time - and there has been the King Richard stuff also. Absolutely fascinating. But totally boring to anyone else probably!

I've seen a few posts about ancestry stuff on NSC in the past so just wondered if anyone else on 23andme had seen the new feature and if so what it has revealed for them in terms of specific archaeological ancestors? I've also noticed that there are other websites now that just specialise in matching you to samples from ancient remains.

That's interesting! I emigrated to Estonia nearly 4 years ago but I hadn't heard about an unusual Viking burial. Do you know where it is? Estonia is only a small country

 

[aftershavedave]

Regarding DNA matches, I had a roadblock for many many years trying to establish where an ancestor in Norfolk was from. The census records didn't help, but through DNA matching I identified the birthplace and took the tree back much further

 

[Bob!]

I noticed a newish feature on my 23andme account recently where archaeological DNA from specific individuals from digs etc has been added to comparisons showing (in my case) small percentage matches with various Vikings (including an unusual burial in Estonia that had been in a tv documentary), some Dark Ages folk and most recently a few Roman individuals. These are individual, single digit % matches, not the DNA general history / origins that Ancestry and 23andme has had for some time - and there has been the King Richard stuff also. Absolutely fascinating. But totally boring to anyone else probably!

I've seen a few posts about ancestry stuff on NSC in the past so just wondered if anyone else on 23andme had seen the new feature and if so what it has revealed for them in terms of specific archaeological ancestors? I've also noticed that there are other websites now that just specialise in matching you to samples from ancient remains.

Where do I find this new feature.
I've looked after seeing your post and can't find it.

 

[AmexRuislip]

Regarding DNA matches, I had a roadblock for many many years trying to establish where an ancestor in Norfolk was from. The census records didn't help, but through DNA matching I identified the birthplace and took the tree back much further

Norfolk you say

 

[Biscuit]

I noticed a newish feature on my 23andme account recently where archaeological DNA from specific individuals from digs etc has been added to comparisons showing (in my case) small percentage matches with various Vikings (including an unusual burial in Estonia that had been in a tv documentary), some Dark Ages folk and most recently a few Roman individuals. These are individual, single digit % matches, not the DNA general history / origins that Ancestry and 23andme has had for some time - and there has been the King Richard stuff also. Absolutely fascinating. But totally boring to anyone else probably!

I've seen a few posts about ancestry stuff on NSC in the past so just wondered if anyone else on 23andme had seen the new feature and if so what it has revealed for them in terms of specific archaeological ancestors? I've also noticed that there are other websites now that just specialise in matching you to samples from ancient remains.

That's really interesting. I've seen a bit about this but haven’t explored it myself.

It sounds incredible to see actual connections to specific ancient individuals, like Vikings or Romans, especially with such a close, direct link to archaeological discoveries. Much more real to be able to name-drop actual Vikings instead of just saying you’re “part Scandinavian.”

 

[Fungus]

I have done a DNA test on ancestry.com and it is fascinating. I thought though that ancestry only go back a few generations because before that the results are statistically insignificant? Hope I misread!

Correct, beyond about five generations back, the certainties are too low. The ethnicity estimates relate to 500-1000 years ago, so no real use for finding ancestors. The 23&me thing seems to need a premium payment, so don’t think I’ll be bothered with that!

 

[Fungus]

Where do I find this new feature.
I've looked after seeing your post and can't find it.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Don't go near the well.....

Remains of man whose death was recorded in 1197 saga uncovered in Norway

Researchers say skeleton retrieved from well is likely to be that of man ‘cast headfirst’ into it by besiegers of castle

www.theguardian.com

 

[albionalba]

That's interesting! I emigrated to Estonia nearly 4 years ago but I hadn't heard about an unusual Viking burial. Do you know where it is? Estonia is only a small country

Details as above. The story is featured as an episode in a tv programme called Viking Dead

 

[albionalba]

View attachment 191406

It's under 'historical matches'

 

[albionalba]

It sounds incredible to see actual connections to specific ancient individuals, like Vikings or Romans, especially with such a close, direct link to archaeological discoveries. Much more real to be able to name-drop actual Vikings instead of just saying you’re “part Scandinavian.

Yes although the first time I tried it to make conversation at a dinner table with folk I'd never met previously a drunken bore urged a female guest to move away from me now I'd been confirmed as someone seeking out some raping and pillaging and it all got rather boring and embarrassing, so I think I'll be a bit more circumspect from now on!

 

[Comrade Sam]

One of the problems with DNA tests people buy online, is the database is modern. This means your supposed ancestry is placed in an area where the DNA is found now and not when it occurred. It is good to see that the large amount of archaeological data is now being used.

 

[Albion my Albion]

Regarding DNA matches, I had a roadblock for many many years trying to establish where an ancestor in Norfolk was from. The census records didn't help, but through DNA matching I identified the birthplace and took the tree back much further

Norfolk and Way!

 

[aftershavedave]

Correct, beyond about five generations back, the certainties are too low. The ethnicity estimates relate to 500-1000 years ago, so no real use for finding ancestors. The 23&me thing seems to need a premium payment, so don’t think I’ll be bothered with that!

I have been thinking this over. The ancestry algorithm only works a few generations as it's regressing from living people. If this 23 thing produces actual matches with historic people, is that issue irrelevant?

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

That's really interesting. I've seen a bit about this but haven’t explored it myself.

It sounds incredible to see actual connections to specific ancient individuals, like Vikings or Romans, especially with such a close, direct link to archaeological discoveries. Much more real to be able to name-drop actual Vikings instead of just saying you’re “part Scandinavian.”

I'm guessing you're half-man, half (you can guess the rest)?

99% of Gargoyles look like Bob Todd.