logo
ResearchBunny Logo
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
Tags
Faroe Islands
Vikings
human presence
sedimentary ancient DNA
livestock impact
archaeological evidence
sheep DNA

Related Publications

Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.

Transcriptome and genome sequencing elucidates the molecular basis for the high yield and good quality of the hybrid rice variety Chuanyou6203
Agriculture

Transcriptome and genome sequencing elucidates the molecular basis for the high yield and good quality of the hybrid rice variety Chuanyou6203

J. Ren, F. Zhang, et al.

The impact of mass gatherings on the local transmission of COVID-19 and the implications for social distancing policies: Evidence from Hong Kong
Medicine and Health

The impact of mass gatherings on the local transmission of COVID-19 and the implications for social distancing policies: Evidence from Hong Kong

P. Zhu, X. Tan, et al.

Multi-isotopic and morphometric evidence for the migration of farmers leading up to the Inka conquest of the southern Andes
Interdisciplinary Studies

Multi-isotopic and morphometric evidence for the migration of farmers leading up to the Inka conquest of the southern Andes

R. Barberena, L. Menéndez, et al.

Towards a healthier future for the achievement of SDGs: unveiling the effects of agricultural financing, energy poverty, human capital, and corruption on malnutrition
Economics

Towards a healthier future for the achievement of SDGs: unveiling the effects of agricultural financing, energy poverty, human capital, and corruption on malnutrition

C. Ding, K. A. Khan, et al.

Listen, Learn & Level Up
Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.
No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.
listen to research audio papers with researchbunny