From Palace to Polis: Exploring continuity and change at Knossos through genomic analyses
Name of applicant
Miren Iraeta Orbegozo
Title
PhD student
Institution
University of Lausanne
Amount
DKK 900,000
Year
2024
Type of grant
Internationalisation Fellowships
What?
This project explores how migration and gene flow influenced societal transformations at Knossos, Crete's oldest settlement and Europe's first urban centre. By analysing ancient DNA extracted from individuals buried at Knossos between 1900 and 900 BC, we will investigate genetic ancestry patterns, burial practices, and social organization, addressing long-standing questions in archaeology.
Why?
Knossos stands out for its exceptionally long history of continuous occupation, making it a unique site for studying urbanisation processes and exploring how population movements and societal changes shaped its evolution over millennia. Unlike many ancient settlements, it retained its significance through multiple transformative periods, from the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age.
How?
In this project, I will complement the archaeological record using genomic analysis. By sequencing genomes from individuals spanning 1000 years and applying cutting-edge aDNA methods, I will examine genetic continuity over time, assess mobility patterns and explore social organization by inferring genetic relatedness and population dynamics both within and across burial sites.