Genome-wide autosomal, mtDNA, and Y chromosome analysis of King Bela III of the Hungarian Arpad dynasty

Abstract

The ancient Hungarians, “Madzsars”, established their control of the Carpathian Basin in the late ninth century and founded the Hungarian Kingdom around 1000AD. The origin of the Magyars as a tribal federation has been much debated in the past. From the time of the conquest to the early fourteenth century they were ruled by descendants of the Arpad family. In order to learn more about the genetic origin of this family, we here analyzed the genome of Bela III one of the most prominent members of the early Hungarian dynasty that ruled the Hungarian Kingdom from 1172 to 1196. The Y-Chromosome of Bela III belongs to haplogroup R1a-Z2123 that is today found in highest frequency in Central Asia, supporting a Central Asian origin for the ruling lineage of the Hungarian kingdom. The autosomal DNA profile of Bela III, however, falls within the genetic variation of present-day east European populations. This is further supported through his mtDNA genome that belongs to haplogroup H, the most common European maternal lineage, but also found in Central Asia. However, we didn’t find an exact haplotype match for Bela III. The typical autosomal and maternal Central Eastern European ancestry among Bela III autosomes might be best explained by consecutive intermarriage with local European ruling families.

Tracing genetic connections of ancient Hungarians to the 6th–14th century populations of the Volga-Ural region

“…He is the sole member of the first Hungarian dynasty whose grave was found in situ in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. Based on the previous autosomal analysis, he shares most of his genetic ancestry with the representatives of ancient and modern-day Europeans ( 36 ). His Y-chromosome belongs to the R1a-Z2123 haplogroup, which has the highest frequency in Central Asia today but is also found in the Volga-Ural region, which is in line with earlier observations and the significance of the Volga-Ural region in the formation of the early Hungarian elite ( 37 , 38 ).…”

Tracing genetic connections of ancient Hungarians to the 6-14thcentury populations of the Volga-Ural region

“…He is the sole member of the first Hungarian dynasty whose grave was found in-situ in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. Based on previous autosomal analysis he shares most of his genetic ancestry with the representatives of ancient and modern-day Europeans (36). His Y-chromosome belongs to the R1a-Z2123 haplogroup, which has the highest frequency in Central Asia today but is also found in the Volga-Ural region, which is in line with earlier observations and the significance of the Volga-Ural region in the formation of the early Hungarian elite (37) (38).…”

Archaeogenetic analysis revealed East Eurasian paternal origin to the Aba royal family of Hungary

“…This approach was also the key to identify the famous Hungarian king, Matthias Corvinus' descendants (4), or the members of the Báthory family, one of the most prominent aristocratic families of Medieval Central Europe (5). Archaeogenetic methods have also facilitated the identification of members of the Árpád dynasty, Hungary's first royal family, and to analyse their genomic heritage (6)(7)(8)(9). Hence, archaeogenetics has become a valuable method for addressing both prehistoric and historic inquiries.…”

“…Although the royal tomb and the king’s remains could not be identified, the archaeogenetic analysis of the interred individuals inside the church provided an unparalleled opportunity to explore the genetic origins of one of medieval Hungary’s most influential dynasties. As the paternal lineage of the Árpáds had previously been identified ( 6 – 9 ), we also had the opportunity to determine whether they shared the same paternal lineage as the Abas.…”