Discoveries from Sint-Truiden: Ancient DNA Unveils a Thousand Years of History
- Rafal Tekreeti
- May 28
- 4 min read
By: Owyn Beneker, Ludovica Molinaro, Meriam Guellil, Stefania Sasso, Helja Kabral, Biancamaria Bonucci, Noah Gaens, Eugenia D’Atanasio, Massimo Mezzavilla, Hélios Delbrassine, Linde Braet, Bart Lambert, Pieterjan Deckers, Simone Andrea Biagini, Ruoyun Hui, Sara Becelaere, Jan Geypen, Maxim Hoebreckx, Birgit Berk, Petra Driesen, April Pijpelink, Philip van Damme, Sofie Vanhoutte, Natasja De Winter, Lehti Saag, Luca Pagani, Kristiina Tambets, Christiana L. Scheib, Maarten H. D. Larmuseau & Toomas Kivisild
Beneath the cobbled streets of Sint-Truiden, a town in Belgium’s Limburg province, lies a treasure trove of medieval history. Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed a cemetery containing over 3,000 burials, spanning from the 7th to the 18th century. This discovery provides a rare opportunity to explore the genetic and cultural legacy of a medieval European community. Through genomic analysis of 404 individuals, we have uncovered compelling insights into migration, social structure, health, and the impact of pandemics over more than a millennium. These findings reveal not only the story of Sint-Truiden but also broader patterns of European history, illustrating the profound interplay between human mobility, environment, and society.
DNA analysis revealed that the population of Sint-Truiden maintained a stable mix of "Gaulish" (French) and "Germanic" ancestries over centuries. Principal component analysis (PCA; Figure 1B-C) showed that most individuals clustered along a genetic continuum observed in Northwest Europe, reflecting migrations and interactions from earlier periods. Unlike other regions that experienced significant genetic shifts due to large-scale migrations, Sint-Truiden’s population structure remained consistent, suggesting limited external influence after the Early Middle Ages. Over time, the population of Sint-Truiden became more genetically homogenous.
While most individuals had local genetic profiles, five outliers were identified with genetic affinities to populations from Ireland and Scotland (Figure 1B). These individuals were buried separately and dated to the Early and High Middle Ages. Their presence is intriguing, as it suggests that Sint-Truiden, despite its local focus, was not entirely isolated. These outliers may have been pilgrims, skilled craftsmen, or clerics connected to the abbey, though historical records do not explicitly mention such connections. All five were modelled with ancestry profiles consistent with ancient Scotland or Ireland, with Y chromosome haplogroup analysis showing links to the R1b2-L21 clade commonly found in the British Isles.
Further studying of the composition and temporal dynamics of the main ancestry components of the Sint-Truiden population revealed decreasing genetic variance from the Early to the Late Middle Ages. This trend likely resulted from reduced long-distance migration and increased intermarriage within the community. The early medieval population, by contrast, exhibited greater genetic diversity, reflecting broader migratory patterns and a more dynamic societal structure.
Analysis of the two burial areas revealed differences in ancestry and social composition. Individuals buried at Trudoplein, near the abbey, had higher proportions of Gaulish ancestry. This pattern may reflect closer ties to the abbey, possibly among benefactors or clergy. In contrast, Groenmarkt burials exhibited greater genetic diversity, likely representing the town’s broader population, including merchants, pilgrims, and locals. The distinct kinship patterns observed at Trudoplein, with more closely related individuals, contrast with the broader catchment area suggested by the low kinship rates in Groenmarkt burials.
Historical records from Sint-Truiden make no mention of the Black Death during the 14th century. However, DNA evidence revealed the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague, in several individuals from this period. This discovery demonstrates that the pandemic impacted Sint-Truiden, despite its absence from written sources. Moreover, the relatively high proportion of plague-related DNA findings suggests that the disease may have had a significant demographic impact on the town. Genetic analysis also revealed associations between ancestry and traits such as red hair and vitamin D production. Individuals with Germanic ancestry were more likely to carry genetic variants for red hair, while those with Gaulish ancestry had markers associated with higher vitamin D levels. These findings highlight how ancestry influenced physical characteristics and adaptation to environmental conditions.
From Dig Site to Data Lab This gallery takes you behind the scenes of the Sint-Truiden paleogenomics project, from archaeological excavations in the city’s historic center, where over 3,000 medieval burials were uncovered, to the high-precision DNA sampling and analysis work carried out in sterile lab conditions.
These images reveal the scale, care, and collaboration behind one of the largest ancient DNA studies in the region, powered by VSC’s supercomputing infrastructure.
The cemetery of Sint-Truiden offers a unique perspective on the lives and challenges of a medieval European town. The stability of its genetic composition, the nuanced social dynamics revealed through burial practices, and the hidden impacts of pandemics all contribute to a rich narrative of continuity and change. Through the combined efforts of archaeologists, geneticists, and historians, this study bridges the past and present, illuminating how migration, health, and society intertwined to shape the genetic and cultural legacy of Sint-Truiden.
🔗 Read the full scientific publication in Genome Biology: here
📰 This research was also featured in the Flemish media by VRT NWS –Check out the coverage (in Dutch): here
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