8legs: Southern germany, germany

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'Lifelong monogamy' and 'half orphans': DNA analysis reveals clues about life on the Roman frontier after the fall of Rome

New DNA analysis of 258 individuals from southern Germany (400–700 CE) reveals social patterns after Rome's fall.
Researchers report lifelong monogamy and a high share of children who lost at least one parent by age 10.
Life expectancy appears to have risen after the empire's fall, with men around 43 and women about 40 years.
The study finds little evidence for polygamy or close-kin marriages in post-Roman society.
Isotopic data and genomes indicate migrations northward and integration with local populations.
The findings suggest social norms against divorce and remarriage persisted into early medieval times.
Researchers note the study complements other work on post-Roman Europe and longevity trends.
Experts compare results with earlier Roman-era life expectancy estimates to contextualize longevity.
The study uses strontium isotope analysis to infer where individuals grew up.
The work helps explain who lived on the Roman frontier and how communities restructured after Rome's collapse.

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