Scientists have established a genetic link between the Huns, led by Attila, and the Xiongnu empire, which fought against the Han Dynasty. Recent DNA analysis confirms that some Huns descended from the Xiongnu elite, although most were primarily of European descent. The study offers new insights into the origins and migration of these ancient groups.
Recent genomic research has established a genetic link between the Huns, known primarily through their leader Attila, and the Xiongnu empire, which opposed the Han Dynasty in ancient China. This connection supports long-held theories regarding the origins of the Huns, who emerged in Europe during the late 4th century and displaced several Germanic tribes, including the Goths.
Although the origins of the Huns have been debated due to a lack of decisive evidence, scientists conducted genomic analyses on ancient DNA to reveal that certain individuals from the Hunnic empire are indeed direct descendants of the Xiongnu elite. However, the majority of the Hunnic population appears to have been primarily of European descent.
The research team published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS on February 24, emphasizing that genomic tracks indicate a direct genetic lineage from the Xiongnu elites to some individuals within the Carpathian basin. They noted, however, that there was no substantial evidence of a significant eastern, steppe-descended community within the Carpathian basin during the Hunnic and post-Hunnic periods.
This groundbreaking study offers concrete evidence linking the Huns to the Xiongnu empire, contributing to our understanding of their origins. Although a genetic relationship exists, most of the Huns were predominantly of European ancestry. This research clarifies historical uncertainties about the Huns’ heritage and provides a clearer picture of ancient migration patterns in Europe and Asia.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
