Ancient DNA analysis has revealed that two individuals buried in an apparent embrace in medieval Poland were both female and were not closely related.
The remains were discovered during excavations conducted between 2022 and 2023 at the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Opole, Poland.
Researchers extracted ancient DNA from teeth and petrous bone samples to investigate the individuals' biological sex, ancestry and possible familial relationship. Genetic analysis showed that both individuals were female and that they were not closely related, excluding relationships such as sisters, mother and daughter, or cousins.
The findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
According to the researchers, the burial represents the first genetically confirmed same-sex double burial identified in medieval Poland.
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