The genetic history of Portugal over the past 5,000 years
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Background
Recent ancient DNA studies uncovering large-scale demographic events in Iberia have focused primarily on Spain, with limited reports for Portugal, a country located at the westernmost edge of continental Eurasia. Here, we introduce the largest collection of ancient Portuguese genomic datasets (n = 68) to date, spanning 5,000 years, from the Neolithic to the 19 th century.
Results
We found evidence of patrilocality in Neolithic Portugal, with admixture from local hunter-gatherers and Anatolian farmers, and persistence of Upper Paleolithic Magdalenian ancestry. This genetic profile persists into the Chalcolithic, reflecting diverse local hunter- gatherer contributions. During the Bronze Age, local genetic ancestry persisted, particularly in southern Iberia, despite influences from the North Pontic Steppe and early Mediterranean contacts. The Roman period highlights Idanha-a-Velha as a hub of migration and interaction, with a notably diverse genetic profile. The Early Medieval period is marked by Central European ancestry linked to Suebi/Visigoth migrations, adding to coeval local, African, and Mediterranean influences. The Islamic and Christian Conquest periods show strong genetic continuity in northern Portugal and significant African admixture in the south, with persistent Jewish and Islamic ancestries suggesting enduring influences in the post-Islamic period.
Conclusions
This study represents the first attempt to reconstruct the genetic history of Portugal from the analysis of ancient individuals. We reveal dynamic patterns of migration and cultural exchange across millennia, but also the persistence of local ancestries. Our findings integrate genetic information with historical and archaeological data, enhancing our understanding of Iberia’s ancient heritage.
