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Medieval DNA Study Reveals Scotland-Europe Connections in Belgium

6/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking DNA study of a medieval graveyard in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, has unveiled five bodies linked to Scotland or Western Ireland, hinting at deeper connections between medieval Scotland and Europe. These individuals, possibly monks or craftsmen, were buried apart and lacked genetic ties to local residents, while the research also revealed traces of the plague in the area.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking DNA study of a medieval graveyard in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, has unveiled five bodies linked to Scotland or Western Ireland, hinting at deeper connections between medieval Scotland and Europe. These individuals, possibly monks or craftsmen, were buried apart and lacked genetic ties to local residents, while the research also revealed traces of the plague in the area.