​The population of the Odorheiu Secuiesc region has a predominantly East-Central European and South-Eastern European composition, according to the conclusions of a study conducted by experts of the ELKH Archaeological Research Institute (BTK AGI) regarding ancestral lines. on the maternal and paternal lines, reports MTI.

According to a press release sent by ELKH, on Wednesday in a research project that was part of a program of excellence dedicated to young researchers and led by Anna Szechenyi-Nagy, coordinator of BTK AGI, samples of some people whose ancestors came from Odorheiu-Secuiesc and lived for several generations in the villages around Odorheiu-Secuiesc.

The samples were collected in 2019 in the settlements of Inlăceni, Firtănuş, Ulieş, Mugeni, Goagiu, Avrămeşti, Cecheşti, Dobeni, Văleni and Forţeni in Harghita County. The results were evaluated using population genetic and phylogenetic methods in the context of modern and archaic populations geographically or historically related to the shekels.

In this region, the history of shekels can be traced back to the 12th century, and there are several scholarly theories as to their origin. The results of the new study show a predominantly local population composition – that is, East-Central European and South-Eastern European – mixing with neighboring populations is moderate.

According to the research report, the authors found a high degree of heterogeneity within and between villages, both maternal (mitochondrial) and paternal (Y-chromosome). Among the maternal and paternal lines, mainly European types were identified (in a similar proportion), but in both cases certain eastern lines can also be characterized. Phylogenetic analyzes confirmed the presumed eastern origin of some maternal and paternal lines, and in some cases they can also be related to some DNA data of the ancestors of the populations of the period of migrations (5th-9th century AD) and the period of landing of the Hungarians (10th century AD .).

The new data on Sequoia complement previous studies conducted on Sequoia and are largely consistent with their observations, the researchers found, adding that in addition to studying the genetic diversity observed today, it is also important to study genetic succession, or transformation. current and ancestral population, respectively tracing the history of the Sekou people.

To investigate them, the next genetic study conducted by the researchers will also include samples from the medieval cemeteries in Sequoia, using whole-genome sequencing, also from the region around Odorheiu Sequoia.

In the continuation of the work, the partners of BTK AGI experts are the BTK Institute of Archeology, the Haáz Rező museum in Odorhei Székujesk and the István Molnár museum in Kristúr Sékujesk.

The study, coordinated by molecular biologist Noemi Borbeli, was published in the journal Genes in January.