Ancient DNA Reveals Scythian Elite Status Was Inherited, Not Earned

A new study published on July 3 in Science Advances analyzed ancient DNA from 38 elite and 47 non-elite Central Eurasian Iron Age individuals, including the first genome-wide data from Kazakhstan's 'Golden Man.' The research suggests that high social status among Scythian (Saka) nomadic tribes was hereditary, passed down through family lines rather than achieved through merit. The Golden Man, buried around 2,300 years ago in modern-day Kazakhstan with gold ornaments and iron weapons, was likely male. Genetic analysis revealed close relatives buried at different cemeteries, indicating elite status was kept within family networks. Women comprised nearly half of the elite individuals, suggesting complex social stratification not differentiated by gender. The findings were published in Science Advances on July 3.