Localization of Gougenheim and of the sites anterior to 2,600 cal. BC. considered in the study.

<p>Central European groups (□); South European groups (○); French groups (Δ); MICH groups (◊). Hunter-gatherers (gray); Central European farmers (blue); South European farmers (red/orange); MNF farmers (pink); MICH farmers (green). Color gradient is given according to the chronology of each group. See <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0179742#pone.0179742.s010" target="_blank">S6 Table</a> for details regarding the populations considered.</p

Multi-scale ancient DNA analyses confirm the western origin of Michelsberg farmers and document probable practices of human sacrifice

<div><p>In Europe, the Middle Neolithic is characterized by an important diversification of cultures. In northeastern France, the appearance of the Michelsberg culture has been correlated with major cultural changes and interpreted as the result of the settlement of new groups originating from the Paris Basin. This cultural transition has been accompanied by the expansion of particular funerary practices involving inhumations within circular pits and individuals in “non-conventional” positions (deposited in the pits without any particular treatment). If the status of such individuals has been highly debated, the sacrifice hypothesis has been retained for the site of Gougenheim (Alsace). At the regional level, the analysis of the Gougenheim mitochondrial gene pool (SNPs and HVR-I sequence analyses) permitted us to highlight a major genetic break associated with the emergence of the Michelsberg in the region. This genetic discontinuity appeared to be linked to new affinities with farmers from the Paris Basin, correlated to a noticeable hunter-gatherer legacy. All of the evidence gathered supports (i) the occidental origin of the Michelsberg groups and (ii) the potential implication of this migration in the progression of the hunter-gatherer legacy from the Paris Basin to Alsace / Western Germany at the beginning of the Late Neolithic. At the local level, we noted some differences in the maternal gene pool of individuals in "conventional" <i>vs</i>. "non-conventional" positions. The relative genetic isolation of these sub-groups nicely echoes both their social distinction and the hypothesis of sacrifices retained for the site. Our investigation demonstrates that a multi-scale aDNA study of ancient communities offers a unique opportunity to disentangle the complex relationships between cultural and biological evolution.</p></div

Spatial distribution of the mitochondrial (mtDNA) haplogroups within the Gougenheim site.

<p>(A) Inhumation repartition and mtDNA haplogroup distribution. Ellipses represent a circular pit; stars represent individuals in the "conventional position", whereas triangles represent individuals in the "non-conventional" position. (B) MtDNA haplogroup composition of "conventional" vs. "non-conventional" groups.</p

Principal component analysis (PCA) of the ancient mtDNA dataset.

<p>(a) PCA performed with haplogroup frequencies. (b) Circle of correlation. (c) Chronological overview of groups with the number of individuals between parentheses (see <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0179742#pone.0179742.s010" target="_blank">S6 Table</a> for details). Colors are the same as in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0179742#pone.0179742.g002" target="_blank">Fig 2</a>. HGCN: Hunter-gatherers from Central Europe; HGW: Hunter-gatherers from West Europe; HGS: Hunter-gatherers from South Europe; STA: Starcevo-Körös; LBKT: Linearbandkeramik in Transdanubia; LBK: Linearbandkeramik; CRD: Cardial; EPI: EpiCardial Early Neolithic in Spain; RSG: Grossgartach/Planig-Friedberg/Rossen; MNF: Middle Neolithic in France; SCG: Schöningen; MICH: Michelsberg; BAC: Baalberge; LNS: Late Neolithic in Spain; SMZ: Salzmünde; BEC: Bernburg.</p