The Fourth Trace: Patrick J. Geary, Archaeogenetics, and the History of the Early Middle Ages
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6093/1593-2214/14118Keywords:
Middle Ages, Archaeogenetics, Ethnic Identity, Ancient DNA, Source CriticismAbstract
This article discusses Patrick J. Geary’s Comment la génétique réécrit l’histoire du Moyen Âge within his broader work on ethnicity, people-making, and the critique of national myths. Genetics is not treated as a biological foundation for early medieval identities, but as a “fourth trace” to be critically examined alongside texts, archaeology, oral traditions, and isotopic evidence. Through the cases of Lombards, Huns, Avars, Slavs, and medieval Sicily, the essay shows how archaeogenetics can reshape historical questions about mobility, kinship, communities, and social differentiation, provided that ancestry, culture, ritual, and political identity are not confused.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Roberto Delle Donne
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