Genetic Evidence Links Attila’s Huns with Xiongnu Empire Against Han China

A groundbreaking study has confirmed a genetic link between the Huns, led by Attila, and the Xiongnu empire, historically known for its confrontations with Han China. By examining ancient DNA, researchers found that while elite members of the Xiongnu had descendants among the Huns, most of the population primarily descended from Europeans. This contributes to the ongoing discourse about the Huns’ origins and their migration into Europe.

Recent research has established a genetic connection between Attila’s Huns and the Xiongnu empire, which was known for its conflicts with Han China. For years, historians have speculated about the origins of the Huns, particularly how they emerged in Europe during the late fourth century and displaced various Germanic tribes, including the Goths. However, a lack of concrete evidence led to ongoing debate about their ancestry.

An international team of scientists conducted genomic analysis on ancient DNA and uncovered that direct descendants of the elite Xiongnu class exist within the Hunnic Empire. The findings illustrate that while some individuals within this elite lineage settled in the Carpathian basin, the predominant population remained largely of European origin, establishing a nuanced understanding of Hunnic ancestry.

The study highlights that “long-shared genomic tracts provide compelling evidence of genetic lineages directly connecting some individuals of the highest Xiongnu-period elite with … Carpathian basin individuals, showing that some European Huns descended from them.” The researchers emphasize that there is no substantial evidence supporting a large community of eastern or steppe descent among individuals in the Hun and subsequent periods in the Carpathian basin, pointing to a predominantly European heritage.

The recent genomic study has unveiled critical evidence linking the Huns with the Xiongnu empire, affirming long-held suspicions regarding their origins. Despite this genetic connection, the majority of the Hunnic population retains European roots. This research broadens the understanding of the historical narrative surrounding the Huns and their migration patterns into Europe.

Original Source: www.scmp.com