Archaeogenetics, Ethnicity, and Historical Interpretation: A Response to the Discussion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6093/1593-2214/14139Keywords:
Early Middle Ages, Europe, Archaeogenetics, Genomic data, Ethnicity, Migration, Kinship, Interdisciplinary researchAbstract
This response reflects on the three contributions discussing my book on archaeogenetics and history. It addresses the use of genomic data as historical evidence, the relationship between genetic patterns, archaeological cultures, and ethnic labels, and the possibilities opened by archaeogenetics beyond questions of identity. Genomic evidence cannot replace written or material sources, but, when critically integrated with archaeology, isotopic analysis, and historical interpretation, it can illuminate migration, kinship, social organization, and disease at previously inaccessible scales.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Patrick J. Geary
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