Earth Sciences

Sedimentary DNA and molecular evidence for early human occupation of the Faroe Islands

L. Curtin, W. J. D'andrea, et al.

Discover groundbreaking evidence revealing that the Faroe Islands were inhabited 300 years before Viking settlers arrived. Through advanced sedimentary ancient DNA analysis, researchers Lorelei Curtin and her team uncover significant human activity and livestock impact on the islands as early as 500 CE.

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Abstract

The Faroe Islands, a North Atlantic archipelago, were traditionally believed to have been first settled by Vikings in the mid-9th century CE. However, indirect evidence suggested earlier human presence. This study presents sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) and molecular fecal biomarker evidence from a lake sediment core near an archaeological site. Results reveal increased fecal biomarker concentrations and the first appearance of sheep DNA around 500 CE, predating Norse settlements by 300 years. Sedimentary plant DNA shows changes consistent with livestock grazing, providing unequivocal evidence for human arrival and livestock impact centuries before Viking settlement.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Oct 26, 2021

Authors

Lorelei Curtin, William J. D'Andrea, Nicholas L. Balascio, Sabrina Shirazi, Beth Shapiro, Gregory A. de Wet, Raymond S. Bradley, Jostein Bakke

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