Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This doctoral dissertation presents an interdisciplinary study aimed at the archaeogenetic identification of members of two renowned medieval Hungarian noble families: the Báthory and Aba lineages. Utilizing the tools of genetics and drawing upon archaeological, anthropological, and historical data and knowledge, we sought to identify the remains of individuals presumed to belong to these historically significant families. This was the first time that high-quality whole genome sequence data were successfully obtained from the remains of certain members of the Báthory and Aba families. Our goal was to explore and understand their genetic origins and to investigate their potential connections to past populations, thereby gaining a clearer picture of the history and genetic legacy of these two lineages. We were also interested in exploring to what extent historical accounts suggesting frequent intermarriage among medieval Hungarian noble families could be supported by genetic evidence. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we succeeded in identifying presumed members of the Báthory family and in uncovering the genetic origins and connections of the Aba lineage, one of Hungary’s most prominent royal houses. We were also able to determine the Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial lineages of both families. With our results, we have contributed to the reconstruction of relationships among historical Hungarian noble families within the broader context of contemporaneous medieval Hungarian and European societies.
Author: Kovács Bence
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7045531409