Uncovering the Surprising Social Structure of an Iron Age Celtic Tribe in Britain

A groundbreaking study published in Nature has revealed new insights into the social structure of a Celtic tribe that lived during the Iron Age in Britain from around 100 BCE to 100 CE. The research, led by geneticist Lara Cassidy from Trinity College Dublin, challenges traditional notions of patrilocality in prehistoric societies.

Patrilocality, where women move to join their husbands’ communities upon marriage, has been the dominant social structure in ancient societies. However, the study of DNA from an Iron Age burial site of the Durotriges tribe in southern England suggests a different pattern. The research team sequenced the ancient DNA of over 50 individuals and found that many were related through the female line, indicating a matrilocal society where men left their families to live with their wives.

This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the roles of women in ancient societies. While not a matriarchy, women in matrilocal societies like the Durotriges tribe had status and influence over family decisions, finances, and property. The study also suggests that matrilocal societies may have been more successful in external wars due to their unity and lack of internal feuding.

The findings of this study have significant implications for our understanding of ancient social structures and the roles of women in prehistoric societies. As more research is conducted using ancient DNA, researchers like Cassidy hope to uncover more surprises and unravel the mysteries of our past.