Sequencing and Analysis of mtDNA Genomes from the Teeth of Early Medieval Horses in Poland

TL;DR

This study analyzed ancient horse DNA from medieval Poland to reveal high mitochondrial diversity, showing genetic complexity in early domestic horse populations.

Contribution

The study reveals high mtDNA diversity in medieval Silesian horses, suggesting ancestral diversity rather than modern breed differentiation.

Findings

Seven out of nine medieval horse specimens had partial mtDNA sequences reconstructed.

Six distinct mtDNA lineages (B, D, E, G, L, and M) were identified in the medieval horse population.

The genetic diversity found reflects ancestral populations rather than modern breed structures.

Abstract

Background: This study presents the sequencing and analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genomes from nine early medieval horse remains excavated across archaeological sites in Silesia region in present day Poland. Methods: Using aDNA extraction protocols optimized for short fragments, combined with target enrichment and high-throughput sequencing, we reconstructed partial mtDNA sequences for seven of the specimens. Results: The authenticity of the aDNA was confirmed through damage pattern analysis. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the specimens belonged to six distinct mtDNA lineages (B, D, E, G, L, and M), indicating a high level of mitochondrial diversity within medieval Silesian horse population. Conclusions: These findings highlight the extensive mtDNA variability among domestic horses, reflecting the diversity of their ancestral populations rather than modern breed differentiation. This research enhances our understanding of horse population structure in medieval Europe, emphasizing the genetic complexity present during this period.

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