Archaeological Battle of the Sexes - Patrilineality vs. Matrilineality in Ancient Societies

In this episode, we review two recent ancient DNA studies which support opposite systems of social organization: patrilineality vs. matrilineality and patrilocality vs. matrilocality. In the case of "Celtic" Iron Age Britain, Caesar and the Romans often derided that society for the high status of its women. Based on ancient DNA collected during many seasons of excavation at Winterbourne Kingston (which your humble host participated in during one season), this seems to be true - the society looks both matrilocal and matrilineal.

On the other hand, based on a more extensive collection of ancient DNA from Avar contexts in central Europe, that society looks patrilocal and patrilineal (and potentially at times polygamous). So, we have two societies dealing with times of uncertainty and upheaval in very different ways. These results demonstrate both the power of ancient DNA overlaid with archaeological evidence as well as the diversity of human societies.

Chapters
00:00 Exploring Social Organization in Archaeology
03:24 Patrilineality vs. Matrilineality: A Historical Perspective
10:27 The Iron Age British Society: A Matrilocal Structure
11:15 Avars: Insights into a Patrilocal Society
15:53 Cultural Responses to Insecurity: A Comparative Analysis

#archaelogy #archeology #ancientdna #archaeologicaldiscovery