Long-distance genetic relatedness in megalithic central Europe

Megalithic monuments in Late Neolithic Europe are often viewed as symbols of shared ancestry. Here we analyze genome-wide data of 203 individuals buried in six megalithic grave complexes associated with the Western Funnel Beaker and Wartberg groups. Despite being considered archeologically distinct, our results show that the studied individuals from both groups form a genetically homogeneous population. Moreover, we identify first- and second-degree relationships spanning up to 225 km, revealing unexpectedly long-distance ties and sustained inter-site and -group mobility. We observe virilocality and female exogamy. The six grave complexes functioned as communal burial grounds and were not exclusively used for close genetic relatives. Limited evidence for genetic connections to distant European megalithic populations indicates that monumentality spread culturally rather than through biological networks.