Tag #Ancient Britain

What does the discovery of strong female kinship networks in pre-Roman Celtic Britain reveal about societal structures and gender roles?

Analysis of ancient DNA from 57 Dorset graves (100 BC-200 AD) reveals that two-thirds of individuals shared a single maternal lineage, indicating strong female kinship ties in pre-Roman Celtic Britain. This challenges previous assumptions about ancient European societies, where women typically joined their husband's families. The findings suggest women remained in their birth communities, potentially inheriting and managing land and property.