A5006107339- Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Historical and Archaeological Studies
- Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
- Indigenous Studies and Ecology
- Forensic and Genetic Research
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Animal Diversity and Health Studies
- Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Medieval European History and Architecture
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
- Marine and environmental studies
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Veterinary Equine Medical Research
- Geological Studies and Exploration
- Global Energy and Sustainability Research
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
University of Tartu
2009-2023
Tallinn University
2021-2023
University of Turku
2021
University of York
2018-2020
Natural Resources Institute Finland
2019-2020
Estonian Literary Museum
2009
Abstract Domestication of horses fundamentally transformed long-range mobility and warfare 1 . However, modern domesticated breeds do not descend from the earliest domestic horse lineage associated with archaeological evidence bridling, milking corralling 2–4 at Botai, Central Asia around 3500 bc 3 Other longstanding candidate regions for domestication, such as Iberia 5 Anatolia 6 , have also recently been challenged. Thus, genetic, geographic temporal origins remained unknown. Here we...
With the advent of ancient DNA, as well other methods such isotope analysis, destructive sampling archaeofaunal remains has increased much faster than effort to collect and curate them. While there been considerable discussion regarding ethics analysis human remains, this dialogue not extended material. Here we address gap discuss ethical challenges surrounding materials from collections. We suggest ways mitigating negative aspects present step-by-step guidelines aimed at relevant...
Abstract The distribution of the black rat ( Rattus rattus ) has been heavily influenced by its association with humans. dispersal history this non-native commensal rodent across Europe, however, remains poorly understood, and different introductions may have occurred during Roman medieval periods. Here, in order to reconstruct population European rats, we first generate a de novo genome assembly rat. We then sequence 67 ancient three modern mitogenomes, 36 nuclear genomes from...
Abstract The present phylogeographic pattern of red deer in Eurasia is not only a result the contraction their distribution range into glacial refugia and postglacial expansion, but probably also an effect replacement some s.l. mtDNA lineages by others during last 50 000 years. To better recognize this process, we analysed 501 sequences cytochrome b, including 194 ancient 75 contemporary samples newly obtained for study. inclusion 161 radiocarbon-dated enabled us to study phylogeny temporal...
Abstract Aim The Expansion‐Contraction model has been used to explain the responses of species climatic changes. During periods unfavourable conditions, retreat refugia from where they may later expand. This paper focuses on palaeoecology red deer over past 54 ka across Europe and Urals, reveal patterns change in their range explore role environmental conditions determining distribution. Location western Asia 63°E. Taxon Red ( Cervus elaphus ). Methods We collected 984 records...
Although sheep (Ovis aries) have been one of the most exploited domestic animals in Estonia since Late Bronze Age, relatively little is known about their genetic history. Here, we explore temporal changes Estonian populations and mitochondrial diversity over last 3000 years. We target a 558 base pair fragment hypervariable region 115 ancient from 71 sites (c. 1200 BC–AD 1900s), 19 samples Latvia, Russia, Poland Greece (6800 1700), as well 44 modern Kihnu native breed. Our analyses revealed:...
Sheep were among the first domesticated animals to appear in Estonia late Neolithic and became one of most widespread livestock species region from Late Bronze Age onwards. However, origin historical expansion local sheep populations remain poorly understood. Here, we analysed fragments hypervariable D-loop mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; 213 bp) Y-chromosome SRY gene (130 extracted 31 archaeological bones dated approximately 800 BC 1700 AD. The ancient data compared with Finland as well a set...
To better comprehend the dietary practices of past populations in Eastern Baltic region we have created temporally and geographically restricted baselines for time period 200–1800 CE. In this multi-isotopic analysis, report new δ 13 C, 15 N 34 S values 251 faunal bone collagen samples from various archaeological contexts Estonia representing most comprehensive set Iron Age, Medieval Early Modern Period stable isotope to date. The results map out local carbon nitrogen define isotopic ranges...
Background Ancient DNA analysis offers a way to detect changes in populations over time. To date, most studies of ancient cattle have focused on their domestication prehistory, while only limited number analysed later periods. Conversely, the genetic structure modern is well known given undertaking several molecular and population studies. Results Bones teeth from North-East Baltic Sea region dated Prehistoric (Late Bronze Iron Age, 5 samples), Medieval (14), Post-Medieval (26) periods were...
Abstract The majority of medieval and early modern fish, bird, mammal remains in Estonia originate from urban contexts, but a promising site for archaeological faunal finds outside the towns appears to be Kastre ( Varbek ) central‐eastern Estonia. was castle customs station that belonged Tartu Dorpat bishop first founded at end 14th century on bank Emajõgi River, between Lake Peipsi town. River traffic controlled there; inter alia trade Hanseatic Novgorod western Russia Tartu, historical...
The transition from foraging to farming was a key turning point in ancient socio-economies. Yet, the complexities and regional variations of this transformation are still poorly understood. This multi-proxy study provides new understanding introduction spread early farming, challenging notions hierarchical economies. most extensive biological biomolecular dietary overview, combining zooarchaeological, archaeobotanical, stable isotope pottery lipid residue analyses is presented, unravel...
The role of dogs and cats in the history human-animal relationship has been variable.They have served as pets, working animals, useful commensals, subjects worship sacrifice, providers resources, such skin meat.These roles also more or less visible Estonian archaeological material.Here, our focus is on Middle Ages Early Modern Period (13th to 18th centuries), which was time urbanisation widening contacts well wars famines.During this change, companion commensal species changed.With over 700...
Abstract Native animal breeds constitute an invaluable pool of genetic resources in a changing environment. Discovering native and safeguarding their diversity through specific conservation programs is therefore high importance. Endogenous retroviruses have proved to be reliable marker for studying the demographic history sheep ( Ovis aries ). Previous research has revealed two migratory episodes domesticated from Middle East Europe. The first episode included predominantly ‘primitive...
In this paper, we examine archaeological bird remains from Klaipėda Castle (Ger. Memel), western Lithuania. The castle was built in 1252, and during the Middle Ages, it northernmost of Teutonic Order Prussia. together with its adjacent town were subjected to wars changing political situations over centuries, but nevertheless represented a socially higher status. studied found excavations 2016 have been dated by context Ages – end 13th beginning 14th century. Our aim is introduce discuss an...
This article aims to study the history of goats (Capra hircus) in Finland using a multisource approach combining zooarchaeological data with evidence from written sources, Silver Tax Record 1571, and statistical year 1900. We present an overview abundance goat bones sites dating Middle Iron Age Post-Medieval period. Furthermore, we use Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) presence material where it has not been identified morphological methods. Where sources overlap, results support...
In this article, zooarchaeological evidence from 37 medieval and early modern sites in Estonia were assembled examined.The analysis of over 69 000 mammal remains gave a comprehensive overview the production consumption animal resources 13th to 18th century castles, towns, rural settlements, one monastery.The focus was on domestic livestock: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs horses.Cattle most abundant, confirming it as primary resource study period.Morphometrical tooth wear supported historical...
Abstract Investigating the origins of goose domestication relies on successful identification this species and, specifically, distinguishing it from its wild, morphologically similar, form. Here we present first attempt to separate wild and domestic geese recovered Estonian archaeological assemblages using a combination morphometrics stable isotope analysis. To aim, measurements 159 bones were compared with modern specimens. Twenty‐five samples chosen for analysis based their morphometrics....