Cold case: world's oldest family identified
IN A case of prehistoric paternity testing, the world's oldest known nuclear family has been identified: a mum, dad and two boys who lived 4600 years ago.
Although their deaths were violent, they were buried with care in a single grave: arms entwined, children facing their parents.
"Their unity in death suggests a unity in life," said Wolfgang Haak, of the University of Adelaide, co-leader of an international team that studied ancient DNA from the remains.
The well-preserved family was buried near three other graves containing the skeletons of nine people in a Stone Age cemetery near Eulau in Germany.
Read entire article at Sydney Morning Herald
Although their deaths were violent, they were buried with care in a single grave: arms entwined, children facing their parents.
"Their unity in death suggests a unity in life," said Wolfgang Haak, of the University of Adelaide, co-leader of an international team that studied ancient DNA from the remains.
The well-preserved family was buried near three other graves containing the skeletons of nine people in a Stone Age cemetery near Eulau in Germany.